To live in dependence on God, we must be willing to make an exchange. We must let go of the pleasures and passions that have dominated our hearts and make God our only true source of joy. He alone should be the greatest happiness of our lives. Encountering God is not fanciful or mythical but a real experience available to anyone who sincerely seeks Him.
When someone experiences a genuine encounter with God, the Holy Spirit grants them wisdom. This wisdom is not merely added knowledge but also illuminates the heart and mind, enabling a person to distinguish truth from falsehood and make decisions in accordance with God’s will. Therefore, let us commit to making God our daily need. The closer we live to Him, the more our spiritual sight is purified to realize that He is our true life’s purpose.
However, dependence on God does not mean neglecting the responsibilities God has entrusted to us. God created humans as responsible beings. We cannot be lazy and idle and then, when we cry out for blessings, expect Him to pour them out. He desires that we work to provide for ourselves with responsibility. He does not want us to live lazily while waiting for blessings to fall from heaven. Instead, He calls us to work diligently, develop the gifts He has given us, and labor responsibly for our livelihood.
We believe God made us as responsible creatures. The question is, what is the relationship between human responsibility to earn a living and human dependence on God? And how do our responsibility to work and our dependence on God relate?
In the phrase “Give us this day,” we find the relationship between the two. They are not opposed but complementary. While we work earnestly, we also acknowledge that every ability, opportunity, strength, and result we obtain comes from God’s grace. Dependence on God allows us to receive continual spiritual formation from Him. There, our minds and character are shaped to align more closely with His will. As we depend on the Lord, we also absorb spiritual blessings from Him. Here our mindset is transformed. A changed mindset does not automatically make someone wealthy, but it will make them willing to work and to optimize their capacities to earn a living.
Thus, there are two spheres of life we must fulfill. First, the sphere of responsibility. In this area we are called to work, learn, create, and pursue all things with diligence as an act of obedience to God. Second, the sphere of dependence on God. In this area we cultivate intimate fellowship with Him, recognizing that without His grace we can do nothing of lasting value. One who understands the balance between responsibility and dependence will build healthy character. They work to the fullest, but do not rely solely on their own strength. They depend fully on God, but do not use dependence as an excuse for laziness. Their whole life is offered to God.
Therefore, let us maintain the balance between responsibility and dependence on God. Do not fall into two extremes: claiming dependence on God while refusing to work hard, or working hard without relying on God. A life pleasing to God combines both—working with all the abilities He has given, while continually recognizing that He alone is the source of strength, wisdom, and every blessing in our lives.