No man is an island, they say – and I guess that’s true - but I’ve noticed more and more in recent months that plenty of men (and women) often try to be just that. Whether it’s culture’s call to individualism or a personal drive for autonomy, many of us like to live as loners.
I’m not suggesting we aspire to be the modern day equivalent of hermits, holed away in some dark crevice. No - that wouldn’t work at all - crevices don’t have wifi! But within the hustle and bustle of the modern world, where hundreds of people pass us in the street or online each day, there can be a drive to live our lives deliberately distancing ourselves from those we are designed to hold dear.
I remember vividly the first time I was called a strong, independent woman. It was something that brought a smile to my face. You see, I like the idea of being superwoman, speeding through life invincibly - able to help others but being invulnerable myself. Of course, that’s not actually what I’m like at all but it’s an attractive aim. Needing others seems so, well, needy! And there’s a voice deep inside many of us that whispers “don’t go there - don’t admit you have to depend on anyone at all”.
So this week on The Good Book Blog we are going to look a little at the tendency towards independence that lies within and ask ourselves the question – is this really the life that Jesus calls us to enjoy?
