How often have we heard or read the tagline: “Each franchise is independently owned and operated”? While the phrase is obviously meant to clarify legal and corporate distinctions, perhaps the phrase also describes the heart attitude of many who own and operate enterprises.

A survey of 1,100 small business owners conducted by business service provider BizFilings found that “the largest group of people becoming small business owners choose to do so because they are seeking independence.”

Granted, the willingness and motivation to take decisive and independent action can certainly be an asset for the entrepreneur.

At the same time, as followers of Jesus, we know the truth of these words from John 15:5:

I am the vine; you are the branches. Whoever abides in me and I in him, he it is that bears much fruit, for apart from me you can do nothing. (ESV)

At US Navigators Missional Enterprise, one of our key commitments is to the quality of radical dependence upon God in the work we pursue. We make that commitment because we are keenly aware of the dangers of pride and the temptation not to rely on God in all we do.

As many celebrate today the signing of the Declaration of Independence, we thought it appropriate to take a few moments to make a Declaration of Dependence – our dependence upon God, especially as we lead our enterprises.

Consider taking a few moments to listen to the song linked below and make it your prayer.

Verse of the Day:

John 14:10: Don’t you believe that I am in the Father, and that the Father is in me? The words I say to you I do not speak on my own authority. Rather, it is the Father, living in me, who is doing his work. (NIV)

Let’s meditate today on the truth that Father, living in Jesus, did the Father’s work; and let’s ponder the implications for the work that has been entrusted to us.