Cantankerous, inflexible and pertinacious are words associated with stubborn. Depending upon which study you reference, individuals become set in their ways between age 16 to 25. Whether students choose to pursue college or stop their education following high school, worldviews are often set by the early twenties. Subsequently, when a new way of thinking is introduced, many are caught standing in the way of progress.
So if God gave them the same gift he gave us who believed in the Lord Jesus Christ, who was I to think that I could stand in God’s way? – Acts 11:17
Unfortunately, I grew up during the infant phase of computers, forced to take typing classes in high school. Thus, as technology changes electronics annually, its hard for me to keep up, lagging behind as I adjust to updated programs. Part of me wants to keep the status quo, doing tasks the way I am accustom to. Yet, if I don’t face reality I may find myself standing in the way of progress.
When they heard this, they had no further objections and praised God, saying, “So then, even to Gentiles God has granted repentance that leads to life,” Acts 11:18.
During the first century, Peter struggled to adapt to the societal advances. Raised as a Jew, Peter was taught to avoid associating with Gentiles. However, as the Holy Spirit fell upon Cornelius and his family, Peter was faced with a dilemma. Hold on to past stereotypes or embrace the movement of God? In the end, Peter realized that if he did not accept Gentile converts to Christianity he would be standing in the way of progress. In the same manner today, as the world drastically changes, ask the Lord to give you the heart of Christ to avoid standing in the way of spiritual progress.
by Jay Mankus
ExpressYourself4Him 