311 – You can be strong and flexible

#faithbites #faithjourney flexible

I have friends who are of almost every political, religious, spiritual, and racial group you can think of. I have debate debates with them in a respectful and loving manner. Many times I have friends who tell me I need to “pick a side”. I’m not hard enough on someone or I’m trying to understand an opinion that is just wrong. Some have called me whishy-washy.

This reminded me of a grade school friend, whose father called him Mr. Jerkwater. Basically that he wouldn’t make up his mind, would be wishy-washy and could be mean. Looking back, that is nuts that a parent would use that term, but I digress.

You can be strong in your beliefs and still try to see where someone comes with. Understanding where they come from and what they believe in doesn’t mean that you are ok with it or believe the same thing they do. I am strong in my beliefs but try to understand daily with people’s opinions who I disagree with.

We have only to look to scripture for examples.

Scripture

•  If I am to go on living in the body, this will mean fruitful labor for me. Yet what shall I choose? I do not know! I am torn between the two: I desire to depart and be with Christ, which is better by far;  but it is more necessary for you that I remain in the body.  – Philippians 1:22-24
• As Jesus walked beside the Sea of Galilee, he saw Simon and his brother Andrew casting a net into the lake, for they were fishermen. “Come, follow me,” Jesus said, “and I will send you out to fish for people.” At once they left their nets and followed him.- Mark 1:16-18
• I desire to do your will, my God;
      your law is within my heart.” – Psalm 40:8

Reflection

Being strong-willed is a good thing. Understanding your beliefs, your values, your faith is what the Lord wants. What we need to be able to do is see all sides, be strong in our own, help others, and make the best decision we can with God’s help. In the Philippians verse, Paul is torn between helping in the flesh or being with Christ which is better. He sees both options as valid and God, being with Christ even better, but chooses to remain in the flesh and that is where he needs to serve. Likewise, when Jesus was gathering his disciples, he sees Simon and Andrew fishing. All it took was Jesus to come to them and they left what they wore to fish for people. Some would say they abandoned what they believed in and who they were to follow this stranger. In this case, though, they were strong in their belief that the Messiah their faith talked about had arrived, so they answered his call.

At the end of the day, we want to do God’s will. We understand his law and should want to help. The old adage of catching more flies with honey than vinegar is true. You can adamantly disagree with someone but can be strong in your faith AND flexible enough to listen to them to try to understand their position. When you understand their position, not agreeing with it, you have started a relationship that can move you both closer to God.

Charge

What is your normal reaction when someone disagrees with you? Do you shut them down with facts, figures, insults, or attacks? Do you try to belittle their position with morale superiority? Or do you try to find out where they are coming from? Sure, not everyone will want to engage. In those cases, the best option is to leave. Others will want to engage. Try to put yourself in their shoes. Listen to them, be kind to them, understand them. The Lord will help you get the right words.

Lord, help me not to be pig-headed. Let me strong in my faith and beliefs but flexible enough to listen to what someone else is saying. Allow me to be wrong, allow me to be bright, allow me to serve you through building relationships.