In Psalm 1, a human being is likened to a tree that has strong and deep roots, but tender and flexible branches. To me, this is one of the best symbols of what we are meant to be in God.

Deep inside, we are rooted in Him. On the surface, we are willing to change. As the Spirit moves, we are ready to move with the Spirit. As the Spirit instruct us, we are willing to change - to change our thoughts on any given subject, to change our behavior patterns, to change the direction in which we are heading.

Flexibility is not a compromise, as it could be easily misinterpreted. Flexibility does not mean lack of principles or lack of commitment. It means that we can distinguish between essential and non-essential things, between "roots" and "branches". In essential things, we can be bold and brave, up to the point where we are willing to face rejection and disapproval of our loved ones. In non-essentials, we can seek peace and mutual understanding. Our identity in God is essential, and we are ready "not to be conformed to this world" and its low standards. But, when it comes to expression of our faith in God and in our divine potential, we are trying to do it in appropriate and culturally sensitive ways. Like Paul, we are willing to become "all things to all people" and come down to their level of understanding, at the same time being "free from all" (1 Corinthians 9:19,22).

Pharisees of the New Testament were not flexible in their religion, because their obsession with small details blinded their eyes to greater laws of God. They were paying tithes of tiny herbs, neglecting judgment, mercy, and faith. They continually "strained out gnats and swallowed camels" (Matthew 23:24). In other words, their spiritual life was grievously off-balanced.

In talking about Pharisees, I do not want to point fingers at particular religious groups. In fact, a Pharisee lives in each one of us, no matter how saintly we may look like, unless we've done a throughout mental work and chased it away. A Pharisee is a state of consciousness where is a lack of genuine love and trust, where is a deep-rooted belief in separation between us and God. Being afraid that we are not acceptable to God as we are, we put upon ourselves a mask of godliness. We are trying to prove ourselves through our works, strict dogmatism, and rigid religious observances. Such a mindset will never bring us joy and satisfaction in the Lord.

The truth is, when we are rigid, we can be easily broken.

When I hear about people who "lost their faith in God", I often think that, perhaps, their ideas were too narrow, and their concept of God was too limited. When in their life journey they encountered something that did not fit into their rigid set of beliefs, and they could not ignore it, they just threw away all religious convictions. How come their God was less than the Total Reality, I simply do not know. I know that God I believe in cannot be challenged by anything which is real. The only possible contradiction could be between Truth and my own ideas of what is true. Every time it becomes necessary to change some of my thoughts about God, I do not have inner conflicts. I simply remember who I am, and who God is. I am His child.

"My thoughts are not your thoughts, nor your ways My ways, says Jehovah.
For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are My ways higher than your ways, and My thoughts than your thoughts."
Isaiah 55:8,9

A child within us is not rigid. He/she is teachable and adaptable. He/she embraces life as a dynamic process of changes, not being intimidated by the fact that every new day brings something new. A child within gives himself/herself enough room to grow, knowing that the kingdom of God is the kingdom of expansion.

A child within lives in the state of divine freedom. He/she is free to express all his/her best qualities, and to shine with God's glory.

(to be continued)