From "I Do It Myself" to "I Do It With God": Moving Beyond Independence to Interdependence

The terrible twos are both fascinating and frustrating for any parent. Suddenly the house echoes with "I do it myself!" as toddlers discover their independence. While this milestone represents crucial growth from dependence to recognizing themselves as capable beings, their quest for independence can lead to memorable and occasionally dangerous situations.

Picture milk cascading across the counter when your two-year-old decides to help themselves, or the fashion statements only toddlers create: flowered shirts with striped dresses, polka-dot leggings, and shorts worn as hats. Kitchen helpers present adventures too – a little flour on the floor is manageable, but climbing chairs to reach red-hot stove burners becomes dangerous.

The Adult Two-Year-Old

Here's the uncomfortable truth: we all carry that independent streak within us. Like toddlers, this independence can be a blessing, but it can also lead us into difficult situations. While independence is important for growth, it shouldn't be our final destination. Beyond independence lies interdependence – living as individuals while receiving help from others, especially in our spiritual lives.

A Biblical Perspective: Elisha's Story

The story of Elisha illustrates the difference between fearful independence and peaceful interdependence with God. When Syria's king discovered Elisha was revealing his military plans to Israel, he sent forces to eliminate the prophet. Elisha's servant surveyed the enemy army surrounding them and panicked – they appeared alone and defenseless.

But Elisha prayed for his servant's eyes to be opened, revealing God's armies surrounding the surrounding army. The prophet wasn't alone – God's presence and power were already there. Notice what Elisha prayed for: not that God's army would come, but that his servant would see the spiritual reality already present. While his servant worried, Elisha lived in peace because he knew God was with him.

The Trap of Practical Atheism

This story highlights "practical atheism" – believing in God intellectually while living independently of His presence and power. You might believe in Jesus's existence, death, and resurrection, yet Jesus plays no role in daily living.

Are you living as a practical atheist? Warning signs include: grabbing a legal pad for major decisions rather than seeking God's guidance, only praying when overwhelmed, rarely experiencing gratitude for life's blessings, turning first to networks or resources rather than God in difficulties, checking your calendar but never seeking God's leading each morning, or reflecting on your day without lifting trials and victories to God.

Two Approaches to Faith

The difference between Elisha and his servant illustrates two approaches. The servant lived with "God in the gaps" – turning to God only in crisis. Elisha lived in constant relationship with God, finding stability and peace regardless of circumstances. It's like having a friend who helps in emergencies versus living daily in the joy of that friendship.

The Better Way

Independence is good, but interdependence is better. "I do it myself" isn't inherently evil, but "Help me" is so much better. If you're currently in deep struggle, feeling assailed by life or fighting a hopeless battle, remember: God is big enough. The Creator of the cosmos can make a difference in your situation and life.

But also remember this same God is with you every single day. Seek God's will, follow God's way, and like Elisha, you'll find perfect peace whatever you face.

"I do it myself" is okay, but "I do it with God" is infinitely better.