One of the greatest joys of teaching young children is witnessing independence being born. An incredible transformation occurs over the course of the school year. We swell with pride when our students no longer need us to hold their hand, tie their shoes, or explain the directions for the umpteenth time.

Children spend most of their childhood acquiring the skills needed to live an independent life. The goal is to set them up for success without them having to rely so heavily on their parents or their teachers.

Maybe it’s because we spend so much of our lives learning to be independent, that we tend to struggle depending on others or even on our Savior when it comes to temptation. We take pride in not needing encouragement or help.

Right when we think we can get through this life and its temptations alone, we are precisely at our weakest. “So, if you think you are standing firm, be careful that you don’t fall! No temptation has seized you except what is common to man.”  Maybe we have said the phrase “I can do it myself” so often over our lifetime that we begin to think we are meant to do it all alone.

Did you know that this passage to the Corinthians preaches exactly the opposite? In the phrase “he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear.”, the Greek for the word “you” is in its PLURAL form- y’all (if you’re from the South like me).

Paul isn’t telling you singular to pull up your bootstraps and simply find the strength to resist the temptation. He is addressing a group, a team, a brother and sisterhood.

We simply aren’t meant to walk this Christian life alone. Together, we can build each other up. Together, we can resist temptation by pointing each other to Scripture and to our Savior- the source of our strength.

Independence is a beautiful thing. What a blessing to watch a child blossom and grow into their unique self. Dependence can be just as beautiful of a blessing from God. We were given Christian brothers and sisters to lean on when trials and temptations knock on our door.

Let us also not forget the greatest blessing of all- a Father who provides a “way out” when our load seems too heavy to bear.  God is faithful. He will provide a way. Take his hand. Depend on him.