Tuesday 26 October 2010

Don’t be so stubborn


Now do not be stiff-necked, as your fathers were, but yield yourselves to the LORD; and enter His sanctuary, which He has sanctified forever, and serve the LORD your God, that the fierceness of His wrath may turn away from you. – 2 Chronicles 30v8

I have had my own share of experiences with stubbornness. After six children, four (so far) grandchildren, and nearly more than three decades of working with and teaching children and teens I have seen all kinds of stubbornness. I can almost see that stiff necked set jawed look that says, ‘I am not going to budge.’

Its one thing when that attitude comes from children who don’t really know any better and who need guidance and instruction. It does show us that stubbornness is part of our human nature. No one likes to be told what to do, especially when it goes contrary to our plans.

Stubbornness is based on pride and self-will. It is a real problem when God’s people are stubborn and stiff necked with Him.

I think of the times when children have stood toe to toe with me in their stubbornness. They take a stance and stick out their jaw and just say no. Sometimes they are quiet in their stubbornness. Either way, it is still rebellion.

We don’t always stick out our jaw and tell God no. Sometimes we just quietly choose to do things our own way.

How many of us today are being stiff necked with God about a certain situation? How many of us are convinced that our way, and only our way is the right way, no matter what He says?

It is time to stop being so stubborn. It is time to yield to Him. It is time to go and serve Him.

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