Less Rigid, More Pliable

“I know and am convinced by the Lord Jesus that there is nothing unclean of itself”
– Romans 14:14 –

Some Christians pride themselves on being strict and stern. Their idea of righteousness is having rigid requirements that must be precisely followed. They pride themselves on their uncompromising standards, not caring that their harsh legalism is divisive. As Jeremiah Burroughs warns: “Rigid, harsh, sour spirits are unfit for unity. There is no sweetness, no friendliness, and no pleasantness in them. They please themselves with their rugged severity but are pleasing to no one else in all their ways.” He adds that to get along with others we need to become more gentle, pliable, and yielding. “If a blacksmith wants to join two pieces of iron, he must first file them or beat them smooth. If the carpenter wants to join two pieces of wood, he must sand them. Unless our spirits are filed, beaten smooth, or sanded, they are unfit for joining.”

Rigidness in religion runs contrary to the teaching of Scripture and the example of Christ. The apostle Paul says, “We then who are strong ought to bear with the scruples of the weak and not to please ourselves. Let each of us please his neighbor for his good, leading to edification. For even Christ did not please Himself ” (Romans 15:1–3). Jesus’ whole life was characterized by tenderness, gentleness, and friendliness toward weak ones who were infinitely beneath Him. His meekness and mildness are our model. To live in harmony with others, ask God to make you less rigid and more pliable.

Based on Jeremiah Burroughs, Peace and Healing, pp 53–54