Listening to the message on “Independence” with my fellow workers, I came to realize even more deeply how truly important independence is. I learned that independence is what allows me to have “true faith”—a proactive faith where an individual makes their own choices and takes responsibility for the results. Furthermore, only when we know how to respect an individual’s independence can we truly respect the independence of others, as well as the independence of the church.

Before receiving your teachings, my awareness of this was very faint. In many moments, I avoided making choices and tried not to take responsibility for the outcomes. For instance, whenever a situation called for a choice—especially when I was conflicted and caught in a dilemma—I always wanted God to choose for me. I would pray, “God, what is Your will? Please show me!” and then just passively wait for His guidance.

Also, in my desperate attempt to find out “God’s will,” I fell into a “mystical mindset,” wishing that God would give me some supernatural revelation or sign to clearly set the path for me. Only after time passed did I realize that it was just my own one-sided illusion. The problem back then was that I firmly believed it was “a choice determined by God.” An even more serious problem was that whenever the results were not good, I shifted all the blame onto God. Because of this, for a very long time, I grew to dislike praying intensely and held resentment toward God in my heart, thinking, “What’s the point of praying? God doesn’t truly help me anyway!”

However, through your teachings, I have come to realize that making a choice is not God’s job, but “mine.” I realized that instead of passively just being led, I must understand God’s heart and then make a proactive choice myself. At the same time, I learned that I must take full responsibility for the results that follow that choice. You introduced the Berea Movement to me, exhorted me to defend this word so it wouldn’t be distorted, urged me to use the name “Berea,” and invited me to join the ministry of bringing blessings to all nations. This was your calling to me, but since I “chose” to accept it, this has now become my choice and my own work. God will remember me because of my choice. Likewise, any inconveniences or hardships that arise from this choice are responsibilities for me to bear, not a burden that you brought upon me. This is because I could have chosen not to accept it.

Realizing this, I knew that my attitude toward making choices must become extremely cautious. This is my responsibility. I also realized that I must never shift the post-choice responsibility to anyone else—meaning all consequences are entirely my own. In the past, when I was defrauded by someone, I blamed the mistake entirely on the person who scammed me. But now I know. Even though I was defrauded, that too was the result of a choice I made, and I am the one who must take responsibility for that outcome.

In addition, if I received the Lord’s help, or the help of church members or family when it was originally something I should have handled on my own, it is by no means something to be taken for granted. It is a holy “grace” they extended to me, and something I should be thankful for. In the past, when I received help from my mother, I took it so much for granted, thinking, “Isn’t it natural for a mother to help her son?” But now I know. We are strictly two independent individuals. My mother has already fulfilled all her responsibilities and duties toward me, so she is under no obligation to help me further. Yet, if she still offers help, it belongs entirely to the realm of grace—a title for thanksgiving, not something for me to demand as a right.

Furthermore, you said, “If we choose what pleases the Lord within Christ, the Lord will take responsibility for it.” This word made the direction of my choices clear and allowed me to discover the great secret to making the Lord take responsibility for my life until the end. Most of all, I am thankful that the Lord does not force me with His own standards. Therefore, I do not need to make choices while walking on eggshells around others, nor do I need to compare myself with anyone. I just need to make a sincere choice before God, up to the measure that I can take responsibility for and handle. When I realized this, I tasted a sense of complete freedom and happiness that I had never felt before. I am truly, deeply grateful.

I bow my head in gratitude for your teachings, which allowed me to realize the meaning of this so important “independence.” By making good use of the right to choose that the Lord has given me, and by taking responsibility for my choices until the end, I desire to stand tall as a whole personality and complete being before the Lord. This is the training of faith that I must continue to receive from now on.

Brother R. China
May 27, 2026