Flexibility

The operational definition of flexibility is “not setting my affections on ideas or plans that could be changed by God or others.” Planning is a wise discipline, but what happens when your schedule is changed? How do you respond when a long-antici­pated activity is unexpectedly delayed? Do you get upset when others dismiss your ideas and suggest their own instead? A person who is flexible realizes that other people may have equally valuable opinions, suggestions, and methods. He also expects life to bring surprises and is willing to adjust accordingly. Because he steadfastly trusts God, the flexible person responds calmly to situations and reduces stress on others. The Lord gives wisdom and grace to understand that plans may need to be delayed, redirected, or cancelled in order to accomplish God’s best.

The opposite of flexibility is resistance. God reproved this sinful attitude in the Israelites, referring to them as a “stiff-necked people” because they refused to submit to Him. As a result of their rebellious hearts, God chastened them in the wilderness. (See Psalm 95:8–11.) A resistant person is self-centered and opposes change as he holds tightly to his own hopes and goals. He tends to seek fulfillment of his personal desires and control of his own life. When change occurs, he often responds stubbornly because his affections are set on his own will, not God’s. Instead of recognizing the potential benefits, the inflexible person tends to react by complaining, pouting, or arguing. To get his own way, he may belittle a friend’s preference, beg his parents to agree, or dismiss a sister’s suggestion. His pride promotes frustration and resentment, thus disrupting harmony and preventing completion of the goal.