THE TRUE INDEPENDENCE

Dearly Beloved,
THE TRUE INDEPENDENCE
“Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.... So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed” (John 8:32, 36 NIV).
By October 1, 2010 (this coming Friday), Nigeria will celebrate its fifty years of independence as a sovereign nation. Many activities will be done to celebrate this golden jubilee. It is a fact that on October 1, 1960, Britain declared Nigeria an independent state. Interestingly, many African countries also gained political independences in the year 1960. However, are Nigeria and these other African countries really independent? Politically, they are, but they are not in many ramifications. In fact, many people have been debating whether there is anything to celebrate on October 1, 2010. The thrust of this message is not to join the debate, but to highlight how Nigeria, the other countries, their citizens and any other person can have a true independence.
Many of the supposed leaders of these African countries enslave the people they are leading by their selfishness and anti-people activities. True independence will come when the leaders are people-centred and are ready to really serve the people they are leading. Rehoboam lost most part of his inherited kingdom of Israel when he refused to serve the people (see 1 Kings 12). An individual that wants to be truly independent and enjoy the goodness of God must be ready to put other people’s interest above his/her own (see Philippians 2:1-5) and be ready to serve them (Galatians 5:1, 13).
Many political, traditional, and even spiritual leaders have led their people astray. They are blind guides leading blind men, and “If a blind man leads a blind man, both will fall into a pit” (Matthew 15:14 NIV. See also Isaiah 9:16; Luke 6:39). To have true independence, our political leaders must be cured of their blindness and lead the people rightly. Likewise, an individual that wants true independence in his/her life should open his/her spiritual eyes to see where his/her Creator is leading him/her.
True independence can be found only in Jesus Christ. When the Jews were proving to be independent, He declared to them, “...you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free” (John 8:32 NIV). He is the truth (see John 14:6), no wonder, He added, “So if the Son [Jesus Christ] sets you free, you will be free indeed” (John 8: 36 NIV). There is no true independence like the freedom that Jesus Christ gives (see also Luke 4:18-19; 2 Corinthians 3:17; Romans 8:1-2). Do you have this freedom?
Wishing Nigerians happy golden jubilee of Nigeria’s independence! Many happy returns of the day.
In His service,
Bayo Afolaranmi (Pastor).