Are you an Independent-Codependent?

I know a mother with grown children that has claimed that in regards to independence, her children were opposites.  One was what she called an independent-codependent, meaning that that child claimed and truly believed that they were the most independent child in the world, but unconsciously depended on mom and dad more.  The other child was what she called a codependent-independent.  This child claimed that they really didn't think they could make it on their own, but unconsciously really was living more independently.

I think this can describe Christians as well.  We claim we believe in God, have faith in God, study His Word and listen to His voice...

I believe this is one of Satan's strongest, and most unrecognized, lies in our Christian walks.  How much do we as believers depend on others' walks, beliefs, direction, and scripture interpretation for our own relationship with God to feel strong and fulfilled?

This is something that I have been praying about in my own life.  There was a time when I truly believed that I could not know the scriptures deeply unless someone else taught it to me:  bible teacher, scholar, pastor, youth pastor...etc.  But what does God's word say in regards to this?

In Matthew 16, Jesus asked the disciples point blank:  "Who do people say that the Son of Man is?" After they give their answer, He asks another, deeper question:  "Who do YOU say that I am?" (emphasis mine).  Peter answers with, "You are the Christ, the Son of the living God."  Jesus replies, "Blessed are you, Simon Bar-Jonah!  For flesh and blood has not revealed this to you, but my Father who is in heaven."  (Matt. 16:13-17)

I believe this is such an important passage...Christ was asking them who they looked to for their answers.  And we are asked that same question...who do we look to for the truth of God's word?

Bible studies, sermons, books, music, all of these are tools that God uses and they are good.  But if we are not getting alone and quiet, with God, His Word, and His voice...we don't have a relationship with HIM.  God can use these tools to grow our relationship with Him, but the livelihood of our relationship with God is weak if we DEPEND on these tools and cannot grow without them.  And remember that, although these studies are good, they are also done by another human being.  Another human being that is not always going to be right.  Just like you and me.

Are you an "independent-codependent", claiming independent faith in God but only reading others' studies of His word?  Or are you digging into His Word and seeking His truths through the voice of Holy Spirit on a regular basis?

"...the gospel that was preached by me is not man's gospel.  For I did not receive it from any man, nor was I taught it, but I received it through a revelation of Jesus Christ."  Galatians 1:11-12