Stubborn or Steadfast?

There is a difference between being steadfast and being stubborn. Unfortunately there are many that get the two confused or don′t see the difference. They have a mission or a purpose and they are bent on carrying it out. It isn′t wrong to do except for when they hurt people and isolate themselves because they are rigid on how it is to be accomplished. God gave me the vision and I know best how it is supposed to be carried out…God gave me this ministry.…I am the head of the house. The Word tells us, So that, my beloved brothers, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that your labor is not without fruit in the Lord. They justify themselves by saying this is what they are doing; being steadfast and uncompromising/immovable.

While the definitions may seem similar, they are different. The thing that makes the difference comes down to the position of the heart. Being steadfast is defined as being firmly fixed in belief;immovable; determination, or adherence. At the heart, it is not a selfish position, but one that keeps you on track even when challenges have presented themselves. You ask for help, listen to the voices of those you trust, measure it against your mission, pray for discernment, regroup, and make the corrections that keeps you on course.

Being stubborn, however, is defined as unreasonably inflexible persistence or unyielding; firmly adhering to one′s purpose, opinion. It is a heart position of selfishness and pride that says my belief or way is the correct and only way. Doing things differently to accomplish my purpose means I am compromising and moving out of God′s will and He won′t bless it. Then you get angry with God when it doesn′t go well. Why did I not see fruit from my labor? It is because they were being stubborn and not steadfast, which prevented them from seeing the fruit.

I am best reminded of the difference between steadfastness and stubbornness when I look at the trees bending in the wind. In order for the trees to continue to stand, their roots have to planted firm in the ground and they must bend and give way to the wind and storms. The bending is not a compromise, but rather allows the tree roots to remain steadfast and stay firmly planted in the ground. If the tree does does not bend (stubborn), it could snap in half or be uprooted from the ground and come crashing down.

Bending is not compromising as long as you are not compromising God′s principles. Bending allows the talents of others to come along side you and support you to see fruit from everyone′s labor because it is His body working together. No one is intended to do anything alone.

If you are having trouble bending, my question to you is, Why? What does it mean to you if you don′t have all of the answers? Crossing Jordan Ministries can help you explore those questions and release you into the freedom that was intended for you.