Flexibility

Bendability

I didn’t really watch the Olympics this year. I must admit that this is not some kind of boycott or moral protest on my part, but simply the fact that I do not have much interest in it. But in years past, when I have watched some of the events that I wouldn’t usually be watching such as the gymnastics, diving, or skating competitions, I have been amazed at the flexibility exhibited by these athletes. Many of their postures and maneuvers would seem to be almost inconceivable that the body could be manipulated and contourted in such a way.

These types of impressive displays of flexibility are the result of countless hours of exercise and stretching to build this level of movement without damage to the bones and tissues of the body. In today’s post, I would like to ponder the limits of intellectual, spiritual, and relational flexibility without sacrificing Biblical faithfulness and spiritual fidelity.

Humility

I think we must begin by pointing out the foundation of humility that is the bedrock of the applied Christian ethic. While God has revealed Himself clearly in the Scriptures we must always acknowledge the limitations of our own frailty. We must stand boldly for the truth revealed in the Bible but be careful not to turn our every conclusion into an untouchable dogma. If our understanding is accurate then our interpretation can withstand serious study and examination.

We must be on guard against a particular kind of hubris that would make us think that because we have the benefit of so much accumulated information and theological commentary over the last two millennia, that we are somehow more advanced than those who have come before us. Theological and intellectual flexibility requires that we be able to distinguish between those truths that are the core of our faith and the center of the revelation concerning God and His gospel and those areas of study that are less clear. One danger is that we would go beyond what is written in the Bible (1 Corinthians 4:6) and begin to speculate about things that God has not revealed to us (Deuteronomy 29:29). This means that we must have the humility to admit what we do not know and what we cannot know.

Clarity

We also must be bold enough to state clearly and courageously what we do know and believe. We must be afraid to confront evil or error when we know the truth. When we encounter sin we must not be afraid to call evil by its name (Isaiah 5:20). I will give just one example. I also must admit that this example is one where I have failed to speak up for the truth at times. It has become popular in our day to see anxiety as an ailment or mental illness. But the Bible clearly commands us to not be anxious (Philippians 4:6). Faith is the opposite of fear and anxiety. So we must be willing to call on those struggling with fear and anxiety to acknowledge that it is sin and repent of it. I believe that there are many people, even Christians struggling to battle this sin because they don’t even realize that it is a sin.

Charity

Finally, if we are going to be able to enjoy the freedom of flexibility without compromising our integrity, then we must bathe everything in charity. The Bible tells us that love covers a multitude of sins (1 Peter 4:8). One of the reasons that Jesus was able to deal so perfectly and skillfully with the hypocrisy of His enemies (Pharisees, Sadducees, scribes, etc) was because He truly loved His enemies (Matthew 5:43-48). It is easy to assume the worst motives or meanings from other people, but as believers love would mean that we must hope all things and believe all things and endure all things (1 Corinthians 13:4-7). Since this is the case let me leave you with this popular statement from church history “in essentials unity, in non-essentials liberty, in all things charity.”

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