When you act “stubborn”

“But they, our fathers, acted arrogantly; They became stubborn and would not listen to Your commandments.” (Nehem. 9:16 ESV)

I heard a spoke-person say he was “stubborn about quality” and by that he meant that his product was great. Usually, the word “stubborn” is used as a negative description, like when it was used in an ad about a special cleaner claimings to remove “stubborn stains”. “Stubborn” has two meanings, one negative and one positive. It’s important to know the difference. You can be mulish (stiff-necked) against God or you can be resolute (unbending, steadfast) concerning truth and righteousness. 

Are you acting mulish or being resolute?

1)   MULISH: unreasonably or perversely unyielding as in bullheaded, obstinate, self-willed or stiff-necked.

2)    RESOLUTE: justifiably unyielding, unwavering, tenacious, unbending, steadfast, not giving up, remain uncompromising in course or purpose. 

Examples of MULISH

“He who is often reproved, yet stiffens his neck, will suddenly be broken beyond healing.” (Prov. 29:1 ESV)

“But my people did not listen to my voice; Israel would not submit to me. So I gave them over to their stubborn hearts, to follow their own counsels.” (Psalms 81:11-12 ESV)

“You stiff-necked people, uncircumcised in heart and ears, you always resist the Holy Spirit. As your fathers did, so do you.” (Acts 7:51 ESV)

“But they refused to pay attention and turned a stubborn shoulder and stopped their ears that they might not hear. They made their hearts diamond-hard lest they should hear the law and the words that the Lord of hosts had sent by his Spirit through the former prophets. Therefore great anger came from the Lord of hosts.” (Zech. 7:11-12 ESV)

Examples of RESOLUTE 

“Then when he arrived and witnessed the grace of God, he rejoiced and began to encourage them all with resolute heart to remain true to the Lord.” (Acts 11:23 NASB)

“Your Majesty, we don’t need to defend ourselves.  The God we worship can save us from you and your flaming furnace.  But even if he doesn’t, we still won’t worship your gods and the gold statue you have set up.” (Dan. 3:16-18  CEV)

Therefore…

“Create for me a pure heart, O God! Renew a resolute spirit within me!” (Psalm 51:10 NET)

“Therefore, my beloved brethren, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that your toil is not in vain in the Lord.” (1 Cor. 15:58

Quotes:

“Never give up, for that is just the place and time that the tide will turn.” - Harriet Beecher Stowe

“Perseverance is more than endurance. It is endurance combined with absolute assurance and certainty that what we are looking for is going to happen. - Oswald Chambers