An arrogant and stubborn person is doing everything in his own way, does not listen to anyone’s advice and soon becomes a victim of his delusion.
– Aesop
I was called stubborn by my family when I was growing up. Hardheaded too. There was something in doing my own way that made me thought I was doing the right way. Can you relate to this? Having some wisdom now, of course not from my own, gave me a clearer picture of the danger of following one’s whims. Our minds, although some are intelligent, are relative. One can be assured that mistakes will happen when we think that we are right.
Bible Reading
Today’s devotional reading is from the Book of Nehemiah 9:16-20. Please, read our recent devotional from the Book of Nehemiah 9:17: How To Understand The Mercies Of God?
Stubbornness is Man’s Ways
Refusal to obey, stubbornness (stiffed necked) continuously, disregard of God’s wonders in our life, turn away from God and into idolatry. You might think I am talking about you. Nehemiah cited these as the evil characteristics of the Israelites. What Nehemiah mentioned is also appropriate to us – very applicable.
Before the flood, God saw that the wickedness of man was great in the earth and that every imagination of the thoughts of his heart was only evil continually (Genesis 6:5). This event was about 4400 years ago. Yet, it is becoming apparent that this is the state of humans again. Stubbornness, I suppose, brings us back to our desire to sin. No one is not guilty of this. Not even the apostles and saints. The difference between the men and women of God to other people is that they let go of their stubbornness and surrendered their lives to God’s will.
Reminder To Give Up Stubbornness
My husband and I have repeatedly mentioned in almost all of our articles that we are all sinners. But we cannot stress enough the importance of why we should be aware of our sinful nature. Malachi warned us about what will happen if we pursue pride and arrogance (Malachi 4:1).
In this world, we may think that we can rely on a lot of things or people. But all of which are temporary and dynamic. Your friends today maybe your enemy tomorrow. Moreover, you may have a ton of money and security now. But that may be all gone in a blink of an eye. Therefore, hold fast to the one that is constant and unchanging. Hold on to God.
Repent from your wicked ways and turn away from them, accept His saving grace through Jesus Christ. And live your life following the Holy Spirit. Please, do not wait when it is too late to build a personal relationship with our Creator and Savior.
Reflection
This is the time for your journaling. Reflect on these questions. Ask the Holy Spirit to test your faith and your walk with Christ.
Examine yourselves, whether ye be in the faith; prove your own selves. Know ye not your own selves, how that Jesus Christ is in you, except ye be reprobates? — 2 Corinthians 13:5 KJV
- Was there a time when you thought you knew everything and ended up making wrong decisions?
- How do you see and use your free will?
- Are you stubborn in repenting? Accept Jesus Now.
- How did you overcome your stubbornness?
- Do you see yourself as a good person? Take the Quiz!
Related Posts
- How To Attain Righteousness In This Time?
- Big and small in the Kingdom of Heaven
- Why Do We Fail In Prioritizing Important Things?
- Is It Overrated To Be Selfless?
- What Is The True Essence Of Submission?
Prayer
Our Father, who is in heaven. Holy is thy name. We beseech you, O Lord, to forgive us for our many transgressions. Grant us the strength, through the Holy Spirit, to avoid temptations. May the sacrifice of Jesus Christ, your only begotten Son, not be in vain. Guide us as we follow His ways and turn from our wretched ways.
Let our families, friends, and loved ones also surrender their lives to you. Look on us with mercy O God, for we are your humble servants. Use us your instruments to bring forth the Good News of Christ to others.
We pray in Jesus Name. Amen.
