June 10, 2026
Dear Church of the Open Bible,
This past weekend was our daughter’s graduation celebration. There was a commencement ceremony, a family bbq, and a graduation banquet. So to sum it up, lots of speeches, food, and pictures. While we are familiar with graduations, this was the first one for us to experience as parents. Perhaps it was this perspective that helped to draw my attention to what was actually being celebrated.
Obviously, one of the main things being celebrated was the academic achievement of finishing high school. A related achievement was the cumulative persistence, year-over-year, in seeing this done. Relational growth was also celebrated as friendships with teachers and students developed over the years.
But perhaps the most celebrated characteristic of these students was their independence. They were ready to leave the safety of home, the familiarity of school, and the comfort of friendships. They were ready to head out on their own, to take on the world! While much of this is true, I found myself wondering if we should celebrate something deeper and somewhat opposite to this last characteristic?
Trust in the LORD with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding.
In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths. - Proverbs 3:5-6
When it comes to humanity, what is celebrated most in Scripture is their dependence, not independence. Maturity entails an element of taking personal responsibility, but far more than that is an increasing humility and reliance on the Lord. That is what is commanded, encouraged, and praised.
What if we celebrated increasing dependence more than independence? What if we lauded heavier leaning rather than growing liberty? What if we encouraged acknowledging weakness more than building strength? These are far more worthy to celebrate because they are far more necessary for abundant life.
In Him,
Pastor Jeremy