Am I now seeking the favor of men, or of God? – Galatians 1:10

Have you ever asked yourself whom or what you couldn’t live without? Some people may make a list of material things. Others may immediately say they couldn’t possibly live without their spouses. Still others would think of the friendships they have and how endearing they are.

All these answers are reasonable and refer to God-given blessings. However, I believe we’ve mixed up our priorities by placing more value on things and people than on God. Essentially, we have become codependent on the very things God has given us.

Codependency is a coping mechanism that enables a person to deal—albeit wrongly—with a lack he or she may feel. Perhaps there is a lack of self-worth and self-esteem or a strong feeling of being rejected. Codependency usually involves using people to fix what is broken. I call this a “people stronghold.”

God is the only One who has the power and ability to meet our needs. No one can meet all our needs except Jesus. He is the only person who is qualified for this task. The trouble comes when we insist on turning to others before we turn to Him. Throughout His Word we read about God using us in other people’s lives. However, we never read that God is pleased when we allow people and things to take His place. In fact, the opposite is true.

If you will call out to God first, He will send wave after wave of encouragement through those you love.4

Check out more from Tony Evans @Tonyevans.org

About The Author

Dr. Tony Evans

Dr. Tony Evans is one of the country’s most respected leaders in evangelical circles. As a pastor, teacher, author and speaker, he serves the body of Christ through his unique ability to communicate complex theological truths through simple, yet profound, illustrations. While addressing the practical issues of today, Dr. Evans is known as a relevant expositor. New and veteran pastors alike regard him as a pastor of pastors and a father in the faith.


At the heart of this vision is the use of church and school partnerships to effect spiritual and social change in communities. Dr. Evans’ church and school outreach philosophy has been attributed as a catalyst for former President George W. Bush’s Faith Based Initiative, which was his first formal act of office. Dr. Evans seeks to train churches, schools and volunteers in this philosophy, as well as in the functional practicalities, through the National Church Adopt-A-School Initiative which is a ministry underneath the umbrella of The Urban Alternative.


Dr. Evans serves as president of The Urban Alternative, a national ministry that seeks to restore hope and transform lives through the proclamation and the application of the Word of God. His daily radio broadcast, The Alternative with Dr. Tony Evans, can be heard on more than 850 radio outlets throughout the United States and in more than 80 countries.


Dr. Evans has written numerous books and booklets including his legacy work, Oneness Embraced, as well as his vision work, The Kingdom Agenda. Some of his most recent books includes, Kingdom Man, A Moment For Your Soul, Marriage Matters, and Victory in Spiritual Warfare.



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