In the broadest sense, codependency is where each person in a relationship offers something that the other person in that relationship is dependent upon. Marriage relationships often fall into this category: each spouse depends on the other for spiritual, emotional, and/or physical fulfillment. Taken to an extreme, being codependent leads to selfishness, abuse, and regret.
Being codependent can be healthy when all parties forgo what they want, to meet the needs of the other person. We see this in our relationship with Jesus, the Head of the Church-those who have believed on Him as Lord.
The book of Ephesians illustrates our relationship to Jesus using body parts. Ephesians 1:22,23 portray Jesus as the Head of the Church, the Church being us. Ephesians 3:29, 32 points this out as well. Colossians 1:18 states that Jesus is "the head of the body, the church:..." You get the picture.
We all agree that our physical body is helpless without our head. As believers we, the Body of Christ, are just as helpless without our Head, Jesus Christ. At the same time we need to recognize that Jesus, as our Head, is helpless without us believers, His Body. If our physical head cannot function apart from our physical body, how can we expect Jesus, our spiritual Head, to accomplish His will, plans, and purposes for mankind apart from the Church, His spiritual Body?
As impossible as this may seem this is still true, which is why the devil fights so hard to keep believers like you and me from finding this out. Why? Because he knows that the Body of Christ-the Church-will put him on the run at every turn, once they see themselves as possessing the same life, nature, ability, and authority as Jesus, its Head.
As the Body of Christ, we are His hands and feet taking the Good News of the Gospel to the ends of the earth. Is that something we do apart from Jesus, our Head? No, the body is dependent on the head for instructions, direction, and guidance. At the same time the head is equally dependent on the body for carrying out the head's orders. Your head may tell your body to go to the store, however it needs its body to get there. Ever seen a head drive without its body? I haven't either, not even in the movies.
Do you see why there's a codependency between Jesus, the Head of the Church, and us, His Body? It's a relationship that's mutually beneficial: God accomplishes His will for Mankind through Jesus and His Body. In return are to enjoy God's abundance in every area of life right here on earth, even before we get to Heaven. Heaven on earth.
If not already, it's time for all of us to see the codependency Jesus and us have on each other. Not selfishly but, rather, in ways beyond our natural reasoning.
Have you ever thought of God being dependent upon you, about Jesus needing you as much as you need Him? How has your viewpoint changed from reading this post?