June 28, 2007
Flexibility
READ: James 4:13-17
Instead you ought to say, “If the Lord wills, we shall live and do this or that.” —James 4:15
Over the years, it has been my privilege to lead several study trips to the Bible lands. In the months leading up to our group’s departure, we would have a series of orientation meetings in preparation for our trip. Schedules, hotel accommodations, contact information—all could be changed at a moment’s notice.
For that reason, our preparation times always stressed the need for flexibility. A willingness to go with the flow and adjust to whatever changes we might encounter was especially valuable. Life has an element of unpredictability for which flexibility is the best response.
James expressed a worldview of flexibility in chapter 4 of his epistle. While it is wise to plan for the future, we must do so with the recognition that God’s purposes might be different from ours. Instead of rigidly saying, “Today or tomorrow we will go to such and such a city” (v.13), James counseled us to flex to God’s direction in our lives. He said, “Instead you ought to say, ‘If the Lord wills, we shall live and do this or that’” (v.15).
The adventure of following Christ is one that rests in His perfect plans—and flexibility helps us to be prepared for wherever His purposes might take us.
Nor even day by day;
But step by step my path unfolds;
My Lord directs my way. —Ryberg
