Are you being flexible for God?

Do You Have Trouble Being Flexible for God?

Recently, I got wind of the fact that a new version of a certain favorite Christian children’s show would be debuting soon (VeggieTales in the House, coming in November as a Netflix Original, in case you’re wondering). They had updated the look of the characters, and I was so surprised at the reception the show’s producers were getting on social media.

People were being very negative and snarky, and some even claimed their childhoods were now ruined. Some said their children would definitely not be watching because of the new look.

Curious, I asked my two older children to take a look. They were both excited. Even more excited when I told them they would have lots of new episodes to watch. Somehow, I don’t think my children are the exception in this respect. Most of the negative comments had come from parents, and I suspect they projected their reaction onto their children- though I could be wrong.

Examine Yourself

Lest you think I sit at my computer and judge strangers, I will say I recognized myself in some of the comments. I am definitely not the world’s most flexible person. Sure, I seem easy-going on the surface; but when life, or my church, or my husband, or the drive thru worker throws me a doozy, well…let’s just say I don’t always respond in the most mature way.

God Calls Us to Flexibility

All talk of Veggies aside, it pains me to say (because I’m talking to myself too) that as Christians, I believe God is calling us to a higher level of flexibility. Whether it’s a change to a beloved children’s program, a new direction for an event at church, or a visitor at church sitting in “your seat” {gasp!}, we need to roll with the punches and accept the inevitable: life changes! And we need to keep up- and even have a smile while we do it!

Overcoming Inflexibility

Do you need help in this area too? Here are a few ways that have helped me to begin to overcome inflexibility in life:

1. Decide ahead of time to have a “yes” attitude. Cross that bridge before you get there. It’s okay in this situation! Determine to not be the “stick in the mud” who holds back progress (been there, done that!)

2. Look on the bright side. Commit Philippians 4:8 to your memory: “Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy—meditate on these things.” Whenever the temptation to resist change comes up, remind yourself of this Scripture! Search for something good in the situation rather than letting yourself dwell on the parts you don’t like.

3. Allow God to help you grow through the experience. If nothing else, you may be able to gain some patience from happily enduring the situation! James 1:2-3 says, “My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience.” Most everyone can benefit from some extra patience!

I believe our lights will shine brighter when we learn to embrace change. When we determine to stop being a wet blanket, God can use our light to draw more people into the Body of Christ!

Becky is a wife of eight years and stay at home mom to three young children. She aspires to encourage women in Biblical truth on her blog, Happy Christian Home