The Value Of Interdependence

July 4, 2026

Bible Reading: Acts 18:24-26 A Jewish man named Apollos came to Ephesus. Apollos had been born in the city of Alexandria. He was a very good speaker and knew a lot about the Scriptures. He also knew much about the Lord's Way, and he spoke about it with great excitement. What he taught about Jesus was right, but all he knew was John's message about baptism.

Apollos started speaking bravely in the synagogue. But when Priscilla and Aquila heard him, they took him to their home and helped him understand God's Way even better.

My husband and I have three adolescent children who sometimes balk at accepting our help. I can relate to their resistance—I used to view the need for help as a sign of personal weakness. As I age, I am learning the truth: help is a beautiful gift we both receive from and give to others.

Cultivating a balance of both giving and receiving help in our families and communities nurtures something social scientists call interdependence. Communities marked by interdependence take a strengths-based approach to collaboration, problem-solving, and affirming individual identities and community belonging. They effectively communicate, “I need you. You need me. We are better together.”

If Apollos had put his ego before his mission that long-ago day in the synagogue, he would have missed out on the rich gift Priscilla and Aquila offered him when they invited him to their home to share all they knew about Jesus.

Adults need to model interdependence with the children entrusted to their care. One way to do this is to let them catch us accepting help ourselves. Another is to invite them to help. An invitation is always more compelling than a command.

Here are some simple ways to offer kids the gift of helping us.

• At home: Letting kids know they’re needed builds their confidence and nurtures a sense of belonging. 
  • “Can you taste this? What does it need?”
  • “My hands are full. Can you carry some of this with me?”
  • “The dog really needs some play time. Would you be her buddy right now?”
• At church: Special programming aimed at kids and their interests is great, but kids also have something to offer all of us, especially during corporate worship. My three kids participated in each of these opportunities from a very young age.
  • Read Scripture or lead prayer during a worship service.
  • Greet people at the doors on Sunday morning.
  • Serve as a Sunday school classroom or nursery aide.
  • Participate in community service.

God gifts each of our children with diverse strengths they can use at almost any stage of development to serve those around them. Kids are more willing to accept help and learn from others when they have opportunities to offer their unique gifts to their communities as well.