Stubbornness is like idolatry in the sight of God
Stubbornness is idolatry. Those who worship idols hate the idea of a living God. Idols do not talk back. Or it’s a fandom, a one-sided affair.
Celebrity worship is a thing. So many children have lost their lives running after make-belief. It's easier to “love” from afar.
Relationships can get confrontational. Avoid the mess of exploring your vulnerable state and feel “secure” in the darkness growing inside. Relating with someone on screen portraying your life’s struggles feels comfortable.
They’d never want to turn to a real relationship with God.
Preferring to do their own will, they give in to the indulgences of this fleshly life.
In other words, they don’t want to have an actual conversation with God, only a ritualistic set-up to live out fleshly desires.
Where does stubbornness lead a person?
- Lustful relationships: Samson gave into lust back to back. Physical talent often attracts fleshly yearnings.
- Disobedient lifestyle: The Israelites were believers, but most could not withstand trials and fell away.
- Love of money (Gehazi or Judas): Jesus compared God with money. The power, in the love of money, cannot be taken casually.
When the heart hardens, it becomes dead to the Word of God. Like a field dried, unable to receive seeds. Some receive but do not grow roots. Sometimes the seed grows but is unable to bear fruit.
Examine your heart today. Are you stubborn about any area of life that isn't pleasing to God? Don't be like a stubborn ox that is unaccustomed to the yoke.
Concerning Israel, the psalmist writes.
“And might not be as their fathers, a stubborn and rebellious generation; A generation that set not their heart aright, and whose spirit was not steadfast with God.”
It takes a good heart to bear good fruit. A stubborn heart heals when turned to God in humility.
May God change our hardened hearts and make them fleshy so He can write His word in us. Jesus is coming soon. Praise God!