Stubbornness is an all too familiar trait in many individuals, but the Bible speaks quite plainly against it. According to the book of Proverbs, God hates pride and a stiff neck. He tells us to not be wise in our own eyes and not to boast about ourselves. Instead, we should be humble and attentive. But how can we do this when stubbornness seems to be a part of our nature?
Many of us are born with particular traits that can lead us down a particular path if we succumb to them. Sometimes our behaviour can be very difficult to break and obstinate behaviour can be a natural result. That being said, the Bible does not condone such behaviour and even speaks to the contrary. It is vital to remember that God knows our struggles and He will be there to help us in our time of need.
In the book of Proverbs 16:18, God tells us that it is better to be a humble spirit with a soft answer than someone who is easily offended and proud. This is opposition to the stance of many of us who often take pride in our own strength and capabilities, as well as our own stubbornness. According to the Bible, this kind of pride is not pleasing to God, and is a display of not only arrogant behaviour but also a lack of faith. This is why it is important that we strive to remain humble and not let our pridefulness overtake us.
Furthermore, the Bible has many warnings against stubbornness and those who are obstinate. It is particularly clear early in the book of Proverbs that God detests those who are wise in their own eyes, which is a natural consequence of stubbornness. In fact, the book of Proverbs warns us that the way of a fool is right in his own eyes (Proverbs 12:15) and that God despises those with a proud look (Proverbs 6:16). This is why it is important that we not take pride in our stubbornness, but instead strive to be like Jesus, who exemplified humility and obedience to God.
Yet, as we all know, it can be difficult to overcome obstinate behaviour. But with God by our side, it can be done. Proverbs 16:32 instructs us to be gracious and slow to anger, and teaches us that patience and kindness can go a long way. This is especially true if we take the time to ask for God’s help. With God, there is hope for those who are trying to overcome their stubbornness and He will give us the strength to do so.
The Bible has important lessons that can help us overcome our stubbornness, and with God’s help, it is possible to break the destructive cycle of self-centred behaviour that stubbornness can lead to. We should remember that God loves us and does not despise us for our wrongdoings, but instead offers us a way out. He offers us grace and mercy, and all we have to do is ask for His help.
Stubbornness vHumility and Wisdom
The Bible makes it clear that stubbornness can be a stumbling block in our growth, both spiritually and emotionally. It can keep us from becoming wiser, more God-fearing people, and stop us from becoming our best selves. However, God wants us to become humble and wise, and to trust Him. He promises us that if we trust Him, all paths will eventually lead to righteousness. The Proverbs 22:4 admonishes us to seek wisdom and understanding, and not lean on our own understanding which stems from stubbornness.
If we seek wisdom, we can learn how to be humble and gracious, something that stubbornness often keeps us from. It is important to remember that God desires for us to listen to Him and His ways. His paths are filled with blessings, and if we remain humble, He will be there to help us and keep us from straying down the paths of stubbornness and pride.
The book of James provides further instruction on what God wants from us. James says, “Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. Draw nigh to God, and he will draw nigh to you.” This is a reminder that God has given us the will to overcome prideful, obstinate behaviour. All we must do is draw near to God, and He will draw near to us.
Understanding Our Own Willpower
It is important to take into consideration that we all possess our own individual will power, and God will use it in different ways, depending on our preferences and habits. But God teaches us that willpower can be dangerous and can often lead to prideful and obstinate behaviour. According to Proverbs 16:32, God also says we should be patient and slow to anger, as patience leads to understanding and knowledge.
This means that depending on our own willpower, God will help us determine the best path for us, and it is important that we listen to Him and make sure that our will power does not lead us astray. As King Solomon once said in Proverbs 3:5-6, “Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.” This is important to remember as it helps us to not rely on ourselves and our own understanding, but to instead rely on God and His ways.
Therefore, if we learn how to better understand our own will power and use it as God intended while humbling ourselves before Him, we will be able to not only overcome our stubbornness but be more mindful of how we are using it. Then, and only then, will we be better able to please God and truly live a life that is pleasing to Him.
The Value of Serving Others
The Bible also teaches us about the value of serving others. We are guided to practice humility and to look out for others. In Matthew 20:26, Jesus tells us to not be like the Gentiles and instead to be like Him, and to be humble as a servant. This is an important lesson and it teaches us that being a servant is a part of being a Christian.
Services helps us to become better Christ-followers and also helps us to break away from our own pride and stubbornness. When we focus on God and strive to serve Him and others, we learn what true humility and obedience look like, and we learn how to put the needs of others before our own. This is an important lesson that can help us to break free from obstinate behaviour.
In the Bible, there are many servants of God that show us how to live in humble obedience to Him. In the book of Matthew, Jesus demonstrates perfect loving obedience and humble service to both God and His people. Abraham also serves as a model for us, as he was faithful and obedient in his service to God. We see in both of these examples, as well as throughout the Bible, the importance of humility and obedience to God.
Ultimately, the Bible teaches us many lessons about how to overcome our stubbornness. In order to do so, we must learn how to be humble and obedient to God. With His help, we can strive towards breaking away from our obstinate behaviour and instead start living a life of grace and humility.
The Power of Prayer and Fellowship
The Bible speaks to the power of continual prayer and fellowship. Some people may struggle with pride and stubbornness, and they may not choose to go to church or engage in the fun activities of christian fellowship. But continuous prayer and fellowship is an opportunity for those dealing with pride and stubbornness to repent and be encouraged. It is an opportunity for them to be surrounded by others who will build them up in the Lord and give them the support they need to overcome their own pride and stubbornness.
The Bible also speaks to the importance of fellowship in James 5:16, which states that we should confess and pray for each other, forming alliances and friendships to help each other overcome trials and temptations. This is an important lesson that can help those dealing with stubbornness, as fellowship and prayer can be a source of strength in times of need.
Furthermore, prayer is a vital tool in combating stubbornness. Philippians 4:6-7 tells us that we should pray without ceasing, and cast our anxieties onto God. Through prayer, we can strengthen our bond with God, reminding us that He is there for us when we need Him most. This will help us to remain humble and obedient to Him.
The Bible teaches us that we do not have to be slaves to our own stubbornness, and we can instead strive to live lives that are pleasing to God. In order to do this, we must learn how to be humble and obedient and rely on all the strength and power that God provides us through fellowship and prayer. With His grace and mercy, we can break the cycle of pride and stubbornness and create a stronger bond with Him.
Recap of the Bible’s Message Regarding Stubbornness
Overall, the Bible’s message regarding stubbornness is quite clear. We should not rely on our own understanding and instead trust in God and His ways. We must strive for humility and understanding and ask for God’s help when we need it. It is only then that we can break free from the cycle of pride and have a greater understanding of our own will power, and how to use it in a way that is pleasing to God.
Furthermore, we should also strive to live our lives in fellowship with others, because that is where we can often find the strength and courage to overcome obstinate behaviour. Finally, through prayer, we can come closer to God, reminding us that His grace and mercy are always available for us when we need it.
