Inflexibile

"The words of the wise are like goads,

their collected sayings like firmly embedded nails--

given by one Shepherd.

Be warned, my son,

of anything in addition to them."

Ecclesiastes 12:11-12

God's Word, His standard, is firm.  Either I adjust my line of thinking, my values, my way of living to line up with His, or I stubbornly insist on my own, placing myself in opposition to God.  He will not transform to meet my beliefs or desires, or to change with the times.

God's Word is infallible and immutable; if I try to alter it to justify my actions or ease my conscience I'll find it impossible as His Word is firmly rooted in placed.  In addition, the wisdom found there will prod me on in my walk with Christ, teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness (2 Timothy 3:16-17) while separating what thoughts and attitudes belong and which don't (Hebrews 4:12).  Yes, the wisdom from God is quite inflexible.  What does this mean for me?

One Author.  Sheep generally respond only to their own shepherd's voice.  They also submit to his discipline, instinctively knowing he is there for their protection and has their best interests at heart.  Therefore, when he pulls out the goad, that pointy stick to prod them on, they respond not just because it's sharp point hurts their skin, but because they are under his authority.

Likewise, I am a sheep who is under the authority of my Shepherd (John 10:11-16).  He is the only One who created the standard for my life, and only through Jesus do I find forgiveness for my offenses against His criterion (Ephesians 1:7).  When I try to accept other teachings that sound good to me and ease my conscience, I am straying from my Shepherd's intention for my life, from His best for me.  This is quite an offense to my Creator and my Redeemer.  Therefore, any wisdom or beliefs that don't line up with His must be tossed away as rubbish.

The only beliefs I must pay attention to are the ones that come from my Shepherd.

Judge.  In this day and age of relativism, I am always hearing the phrase, "Don't judge."  While it's true I must refrain from questioning a godly activity, lifestyle or decision a brother or sister has embraced or made, it is vital that I judge the actions of others as a way of discerning what is godly and what is not (Matthew 7:3-6).  

The act of assessing that one's actions do not line up with scripture is a part of living in community with others (Galatians 6:1).  God may prompt me to gently restore a fellow believer who has strayed, or my judgement may lead me to share the Gospel with the lost as I observe the lifestyle that can only be kept by the unbeliever.  Either way, it is vital that I discern which behavior is as a result of keeping in step with God's Spirit, and which is because one is doing what comes naturally (Galatians 5:19-23), not so I can lord it over anyone.  Rather, so I can either tenderly bring a wanderer back or boldly reveal the Way of life to the lost.

The only judging I take part in is the discernment that reveals the need so I can point the offender to Christ.

Fruit.  There is an overload of information available at my fingertips.  When I am curious about something, I can search for the answers I need.  If I need more insight, I can look up word meanings or find the root of it's use.  When I want to understand another's beliefs, a plethora of background information is available to help me delve into their point of view.

As I study, I have noticed different responses within myself to different sources.  When I dive deep into God's Word I gain insight into how to apply certain passages to my own life and find peace as I adjust to God's best for me.  Other times I experience relief as I discover that destructive habits contrary to God's intentions were the source of some of the pain in my life.  There is much good that comes from studying the Bible.  

On the other hand, when I learn about Metaphysical Humanism or Buddhism or other worldviews that stray from God's wisdom, I feel a confusion and weariness as I try to comprehend such beliefs.  In addition, I often am overwhelmed when faced with such knowledge that is in stark contrast to God's.  The outcome of or response to my research indicates from where the knowledge comes.  

As I study, the fruit of my studies often reveals the source.

While the world tells me the times are changing and I need to adjust accordingly, God does not take this same approach.  Instead, His wisdom as found in the Bible is firmly set.  When I accept His Word as the one standard by which all mankind will be judged, I realize the deep need each of us has for a Savior who can deliver us from such condemnation and offer us forgiveness instead.  As I step into His grace, then, I must agree that His way is the only way so that I'll reject any other beliefs, be ready to judge that which does not come from His Spirit, and be sensitive to the fruit that comes from my studies as an indication of it's source.  When I do, I'm acknowledging how inflexible God's Word is, and adjust accordingly.

As I begin this day it is my prayer that I can remain flexible in my beliefs, open to God's teaching throughout my life.

When do I refuse to let go of old beliefs that don't line up with God's?

How am I afraid to judge the actions of another, denying them the saving grace they need through Christ?