Independence and Dependence

A Country's Path To Independence
My island home is celebrating her independence day today (February 22nd). She is just the young age of 38 years old, but has experience such a rich history in those years (and in the years before) that she can still truly be called 'The Helen of The West'.

Saint Lucia was first inhabited by Arawak Indians, who were then (sadly) destroyed by the more fierce Carib Indians who occupied the island before 1000 AD. These Caribs called the island 'Hewanorra' which is still the name used of our international airport.


It is believed Christopher Columbus discovered the island on his second journey in the 1400's. In the 17th century, both the British and the French started to claim the island as their own. For the next few years, the island was fought over by both, until Britain finally won in the early 1800's. As time progressed, the island got to govern itself and on February 22nd 1979, the island gain full independence.


Independent But Dependent on God
Independence is something we humans desire from a young age. It seems there is something within us that years to be self-governed; not ruled by any other. Yet in the Bible, the Word tells us that we are not our own, and we are bought with a price (1 Corinthians 6:19, 20). These verses may seem harsh to some, but it should be a privilege to belong to God. Servitude in The LORD's kingdom is not like servitude or slavery in this world; our Heavenly Leader is a kind, compassionate, loving King who takes care of us and desires to provide for our every need. The real slavery is found in sin. We seem to be in bondage to the things of the world that do no edify and lift us up, but yet are powerless to escape them. Jesus is very clear in Luke 4:18 about His Ministry; one of which is to set us free. Also in Romans 6:16-18, 22, the Apostle Paul speaks about the only two paths for all humanity: we are either servants of sin or servants of God. Choose you today whom you will serve.