The Good, the Bad, and the Stubborn

In the summer of 1986, two ships collided in the Black Sea off the coast of Russia. Hundreds of passengers died as they were hurled into the icy waters below. News of the disaster was further darkened when an investigation revealed the cause of the accident. It wasn't a technology problem like radar malfunction--or even thick fog. The cause was human stubbornness.

Each captain was aware of the other ship's presence nearby. Both could have steered clear, but according to news reports, neither captain wanted to give way to the other. Each was too proud to yield first. By the time they came to their senses, it was too late (Closer Walk, December, 1991).

When we think of the word "stubborn" we might imagine someone who is "unreasonably inflexible in will or opinion; or unbending to reason or persuasion." And, it's a good bet that this has suitably described you and I at one time or another whether we admit to it, or not.

One of the hardest things for us to do is to relinquish or give up control of ourselves. We value our human independence and the autonomy that goes along with it. There is a natural tendency to resist when something, or someone threatens to take it away. We see this happen all the time in one form or another.

Some might look at stubborness as a way of not being a push-over, or a sign of fighting back against dominating factions of society. Others might see it as a dangerous, or unpredictable trait capable of creating more damage than good. Both sides have their proponents and opponents, but how does it interact with God's desire for us?

The short answer is: "Not very well!" In fact, God doesn't care for it at all. He considers stubborness a form of defiance; of being obstinate towards him. Let me put it this way, in Hebrew the word "stubborn" can mean "turned away." If we are stubborn towards God, then we are in essence turning ourselves away from him.

The Old Testament shows us the disasterous results when the stubborn Jews turned their backs on God (i.e., forgot what He did for them, ignored His laws, and became idol worshipers). The Pharisees' stubborness in the New Testament both saddened, and displeased Jesus. In both examples, their blatant rebelliousness caused not a few problems between them and the Holy One.

God doesn't want to fight with you, nor does he want to strip you of your freedom. What He truly wants is your heart and obedience. We must constrain the urge to dig in our heels and kick and scream when it comes to following God's commands.

All of us need to learn to surrender to Him; to be flexible and workable in His hands. Sadly, not everyone will learn this lesson. For those who choose this path, God will ultimately give them over to their stubborness and stop imploring with them altogether (Romans 2:5).

In closing, don't be like the stubborn horse or mule in Psalm 32:9. Stubborness doesn't impress God at all. Besides, you don't want to get into a confrontation with Him. I can guarantee, it's a battle you're not going to win!

Scripture: Philippians 2:3; Psalm 81:11-12; John 5:30; Proverbs 29:1; Matthew 28:20

Prayer: Holy Father, my heart yearns for You always, Your words give me life and love. To You I offer myself completely and obediently all the days of my life. Amen

May God bless you!

Brandi