Fundamental Independence

"Remember what sin is, fundamental independence of God, the thing in my that says, I can do without God, I don't need Him. The hatred of the world has its source there."
The Complete Works of Oswald Chambers, Discovery House Pub, 2000, pg 100

How many of us shiver with dread when we think we are getting a phone call to point out some fault? Or when the boss asks to speak with us privately shudder with anticipation of being told a wrong?
And these feelings of dread are infinitely worse when we know there is something to be in trouble for.
Sin is the fundamental independence of God. What was it that happened in the Garden? Eve saw, with little urging of the devil, that the fruit was good to look at...and knowing as much as God, becoming a god! was ever so wonderful. So she ate a bite of that overripe, sickeningly sweet fruit, gave the man the same....and ever since, a wicked seed has settled into all of our hearts.
Some say that the curse over women for her husband could be the equality to him, or that woman wants to be head of the household---to have dominion over her husband. We now all carried (or carry if not forgiven by Him) the curse of wanting to be God. Or, better yet, be a god over the top of God! How wonderful!
And really, how horrid. Look about the local community you live in, the towns nearby, the states, countries and beyond. How happy and peaceful is the world? It is turmoil and disaster, hatred abounds, misery and torture rides the wind. And this is with the Lord putting the damper on the world!
How wretched the world really would be if we were the leading god. I shudder to imagine such a place. Hell on earth indeed.
In the USA, at least, independence is a big thing. We should be independent children, independent teens, and die of shame if not an independent adult. We should rely on no one for much of anything. A good, solid friend is a great achievement, and a good spouse is admirable---assuming you do not need to really rely on that person beyond entertainment. Independence is good. Naturally, there is an independence from God, then, too. Why would someone so well-adjusted need help? there is a range of scorn and laughable nonbelievers, to the other end which out and out hates disciples. Partially, perhaps, is the desire to continue this independence from God, as well we all know, we tend to try and handle disasters ourselves. Partially is the refusal to believe that He exists at all. Lastly...no one wants to admit he or she is sinful.
One hears often, "I'm really a good person." And, to human standards, that is probably true. No actual murders, no actual thefts. Certainly, humans dip their heads in agreement. Not such a bad person. However, that independence from God is sin. That changes the statement to "I'm really a person", and, as we can also assure, we are really a person. We can make huge lists of sins.
And yet, there He stands with open arms. Ready and more than willing to accept us the moment we accept His great gift. We needn't cry alone, keeping our wretched "independence" at all costs. We can join into His love, say with all our hearts "He is GOOD," and lean on Him as our lives change for the better because He is in it.