Andy: Interdependence Day

In our Western culture the goal of maturity has often been seen as being an independent person – standing on our own two feet, not needing input or support from anyone else, strong, making up our own mind. Sound familiar? So many of us have been brought up to believe that this is the way to be if we are to be successful and respected.

Then some of us get married and we discover that independence is suddenly not the only value. We promise – covenant – to give all that we are to the other person. So, at home we realise that we rely on one another. In successful marriages it isn’t a case of one way dependence on the part of one party to the other, but interdependence, recognising our separate strengths and weaknesses. In marriages that last, and last well, each partner recognises that they truly need the other.

But still there is that value of independence in society. It has often been the aspect that has been rewarded at work. Perhaps it is a more ‘male’ value – and that helps to explain the power structures that have often existed - still exist – in the workplace. In another sphere it is reflected in our model of adversarial politics, where it seems impossible for one party to acknowledge anything good in the policies and practice of another.

And yet… I believe there is something in the heart of men and women that longs for something else. Longs for a greater sense of community and sharing and less unhelpful competition with each other. And of course we shouldn’t be surprised by this!

Gen 1:26 Then God said, “Let Us make man in Our image, according to Our likeness…” God, who is in Himself community - Father, Son and Holy Spirit – says that humanity is made in that same image. As surely as we have His DNA permeating our very being, we are made for community. Jesus made His oneness with the Father (John 10) and dependence upon the Father (John 5) clear. He told us that the Spirit would come to teach us – and would glorify Him (John 16). He prayed that we would be caught up and included in on the relationship that He enjoyed within the Godhead (John 17). What a picture of mutual honour, respect and love! This is the image of God in us.

But of course, interdependence doesn’t just happen. It needs decisions and actions. Some of you will have heard me quote a saying in the Kikuyu language of Kenya – “Ndugu ni makinya’ – three words which literally mean “Friendship is steps”. Wrapped up in three simple words is a wealth of meaning. We cannot say that we are friends with people unless we actually take the time, effort and sacrifice of taking steps toward them – figurative, and at times literal, steps. Here is a whole theology of incarnation and mission, but let’s save that for another time! For now, let’s simply recognise the need for us to take steps to build friendship and interdependence. Those of us who have been married for more than a year (or shorter!) will know that this is true!

So finally, what does that mean for us here, now, in River Church, as several congregations united under a single apostolic vision? Will we rise up to the challenge of real interdependence, with servant hearts looking to see the best in each other, and make the best happen with our ‘steps’? What will that look like now? And what will that look like as we go on into the future, with new churches planted, added and adopted?