Interdependence: a Biblical Concept

by The Rev. Rick Roderick

Exodus 4:10-16
1 Corinthians 12:4-28

Independence is a very strong component of our social fabric. We have all heard of rugged individualism. Independent living centers and programs exist across the country to assist in this effort. Dependence is shunned. We are often taught that the more we can do for ourselves, the better off we will be. Yet, this is not always possible. People who are blind can’t drive and those who are deaf may find that participation in a conversation has certain hurdles. People with limited movement may need assistance with different tasks. Rugged individualism becomes just that … rugged. How can we solve this dilemma? I believe that the Bible teaches a different way.

In the fourth chapter of Exodus, Moses is told by God to bring the Israelites out of Egypt and lead them into the land that we know as Palestine. Moses sees this task as overwhelming and he looks for any possible way he can get out of it. He tells God, “you don’t want me. I am slow of speech.” We don’t know exactly what this means, but it appears that he probably had some kind of speech impediment. God says, “I will be with you.” But Moses is unconvinced. “Send someone else,” he says.

God could have responded in several ways. God could have said, “OK, I’ll do it myself. Don’t bother. “I’ll get someone else.” This would have meant total dependence on Moses’ part. God could have said, “Moses, you’re on your own.” That would have created rugged individualism, and Moses could have received total independence, but little would have gotten done.

Instead, God said, “Aaron is coming out to meet you. He will speak for you.” Moses would have the ideas. Aaron would express them.

It was a good arrangement. Each man had strengths. Moses was the idea person. He kept the people together, even when they tried to fall away. He did not lose sight of his mission. Aaron made sure the day-to-day tasks got done. It was because of the efforts of both of them that the children of Israel made the long pilgrimage successfully.

1 Corinthians 12 has much the same theme. The church is one body that is made up of many members. Just as each part of the human body can’t function without the others, the same is true with the church. Some people will be elders and deacons, preachers and teachers, mission volunteers, musicians, janitors, etc. It is only through this division of labor that the church can fulfill its mission.

Both of these passages emphasize one thing: interdependence. We can’t go it alone but we can accomplish much together. In life, we may be able to go it alone, but at some point, this will break down. By being in community, we can accomplish a great deal.

I believe that the church has a mission to society. We can be a beacon of interdependence, a force for building community. In this way, we can help others to feel the work of the Holy Spirit who makes community possible.

Prayer: Our gracious God, help us to see your realm. In the Lord’s Prayer, we say, “Thy Kingdom come.” Help us to bring it about by showing others the meaning of interdependence and community. May we be guided by your Holy Spirit who makes all this possible. We ask this in Jesus’ name. Amen.