Balancing Self-Reliance and Interdependence

rwh19april Ep.360 – Run With Horses Podcast – Balancing Self-Reliance and Interdependence

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Author pages with links to all books on Amazon.

https://www.amazon.com/stores/author/B0BCSDDVLB – James Norman Smith

https://www.amazon.com/stores/author/B0BMGW51FW – Susan Jane Smith

**(24:00)**

Do you go it alone or do you walk through life with others? It’s not an either/ or proposition, it’s both! There are areas where you definitely have to pull you own weight but often, much more often than you may think, we are supposed to help each other through life. Today, we are thinking about self-reliance and interdependence for disciples of Jesus.

Welcome to Run With Horses! My name is Norman and my goal is to help you thrive as a follower of Jesus. The spiritual life is simple in many ways, but potentially the most difficult part of your life. God invites you to grow, to live intentionally and to join in His mission. It’s very cool that we can do that together!

Thank you for joining me today! “If you’re new here, you can check out past episodes at runwithhorses.net. As always, I appreciate your feedback, questions, and reviews!”

**(23:00 – 0:00)* * PART 1

B. Overview

• Scripture calls believers to cultivate personal accountability (self-reliance) while actively engaging in a community of faith (interdependence).

• Key Themes:

  • Biblical foundations for self-reliance in areas like personal spiritual growth, work, and stewardship.

  • Scriptural mandates for living in community, bearing one another’s burdens, and using spiritual gifts for the common good.

C. Context

• Emphasize believer’s individual responsibility before God.

• Highlight the importance of local church fellowship as a way of fulfilling our mission together.

D. Today I want you to consider:

1. What does “self-reliance” mean in your personal walk with Christ?

2. How do you see interdependence playing a role in your local church or community?

II. Self-Reliance in the Christian Life A. Definition and Biblical Context

• Self-reliance: Cultivating personal responsibility in one’s faith, work, finances, and spiritual growth, recognizing that while God provides strength, He also calls us to be diligent stewards of our lives.

B. Passages on Self-Reliance

1. Proverbs 6:6-8 (NKJV):

   • “Go to the ant, you sluggard; Consider her ways, and be wise. Which having no guide, overseer, or ruler, Provideth her supplies in the summer, And gathers her food in the harvest.”

     Encourage proactive effort and preparedness in everyday life.

     In what areas of your life can you emulate the ant’s industriousness?

2. Galatians 6:4-5 (NKJV):

   • “But let each one examine his own work, and then he shall have rejoicing in himself alone, and not in another. For each one shall bear his own load.”

     Highlight the importance of personal evaluation and responsibility.

     How can you take ownership of your spiritual growth while avoiding pride?

3. Philippians 4:13 (NKJV):

   • “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.”

     Emphasize that personal achievement is rooted in Christ’s strength working through us.

     How does relying on Christ’s strength change your approach to personal challenges?

C. Practical Steps

• Self-Examination: Encourage daily devotional practices and self-reflection.

  How are you taking responsibility for your life now? What practical actions show that you are serious about your spiritual life and responsibilities before God?

• Personal Responsibility: Discuss setting goals in prayer, work, and study.

  Where do you need to be more proactive? Are the basics covered? Are you seeking out ways to intentionally pursue godliness in your life? How, Where, When? Is it on your calendar and in your budget?

• Stewardship: Explore biblical principles of managing finances, time, and talents responsibly.

  Do you recognize the accountability that you have before God in the decisions you make? What does that look like?

**(00:00) END PART 1**

**(27:00 – 5:00) BEGIN PART 2**

III. Interdependence in the Body of Christ A. Definition and Biblical Context

• Interdependen