As we go about our lives, we tend to focus in on a few things. The world pushes the message of being laser-focused on goals, in order to get them accomplished. We are also encouraged to block out all distractions, sometimes to the point of neglecting other key responsibilities. I am learning is that flexibility is required and flexibility requires faith.
Flexibility requires faith.
One reason that we aren’t always flexible, is because we are fearful. We fear not getting it done, if it’s not done now. We fear not having enough time, or not being able to do the things we want to do. Being inflexible is often rooted in fear and selfishness, while flexibility is motivated by faith and selflessness.
Being able to adjust my plans requires maturity on my part. It requires such thinking as: “I’ll come back to this“, or “It will all work out.” Being able to shift and exercise flexibility requires selflessness. We must consider the needs of others, and not just our own. That reminds me of Philippians 2:3-5:
“Let nothing be done through strife or vainglory; but in lowliness of mind let each esteem other better than themselves. Look not every man on his own things, but every man also on the things of others. Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus:”
God’s way is humility and consideration for others. This leads us to flexibility, as so often the needs of others will conflict with our own plans. In those times, we have a choice. Selfishness or flexibility.
At what times do you find it hard to exercise flexibility?
We must consider our particular situations so that we may prepare ourselves for them. So often, we have patterns and tendencies that we continuously repeat. It takes reflection and prayer in order to see those situations as opportunities to grow and exercise flexibility.
As the Lord opens our eyes to those unique opportunities to exercise flexibility, may we obey. May we choose flexibility over rigidness and control. May we yield to the Spirit’s leading, and relinquish our desire to control our days.
So often, we create our agendas for the day, while God has other plans for us. It is then that we are faced with accepting the day as it comes, or forcing our own agendas. I am finding that attempting to control breeds stress, strife, and frustration; while walking in flexibility and grace breeds peace, rest, and an undeniable ease.
So, today, as you go about your day, I pray that God will open your eyes to opportunities to exercise flexibility. Remember,
flexibility requires faith.
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