Spiritual Flexibility

A MOTTO OF THE ROMAN SOLDIER “You may bend me, but you will never break me.”

In the spiritual battle, we must develop spiritual flexibility, the ability to adapt, adjust to pressures. We must bend, but not break; adapt, but not compromise; flex without falling, shattering. Without proper temper, a knife blade will snap. The same is true of people. Temper results from being heated and cooled. Principle: Heroes are forged in the furnace of adversity. Both 1Pe 1:6-7 and Jam 1:2-4 speak of the necessity of the fires of trial and adversity to develop flexibility. Phi 4:11-13 is one of the greatest statements of spiritual flexibility.

There is a process of development in these verses:

  • Learn (v. Phi 4:11) – From conditions and circumstances. Life is a great teacher if we are good students.
  • Knowing (v. Phi 4:12) – Flexibility is developed by having to adjust to changes in life. Note the extremes here – poverty vs. Prosperity, hunger vs. Fullness, abundance vs. Necessity.
  • Ability (v. Phi 4:13) – Flexibility produces power ability. Past experience produces confidence in Paul.

Spiritual flexibility begins with personal contentment (v. Phi 4:11). This demands character, which comes from trial (Rom. 5:3-5). From inner contentment comes from adaptability (v. Phi 4: 12). We are no longer threatened or intimidated by change. The issue is no longer what we have, but what we are. This produces a tremendous power in our life (v. Phi 4:13). From inner strength comes outer dynamics – but all comes from the priority of life, Jesus Christ. God’s ability is channeled through our availability:

  1. Availability
  2. Teachability
  3. Adaptability
  4. Stability
  5. Invincibility


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