In the past, stubbornness was associated with a mule. This saying referred to the determination not to change one’s attitude or position. The mule is the offspring of a donkey and horse, often relegated as a beast of burden. Perhaps, as this animal grinds its way through life, forced to do grueling work, stubbornness is merely a byproduct of its trade. Mules aren’t the only things on earth that succumb to stubbornness.
“If any man has a stubborn and rebellious son who will not obey the voice of his father or of his mother, and when they reprimand and discipline him, he will not listen to them,” Deuteronomy 21:18.
During his political career, John Adams faced opponents who were unwilling to change their positions. These interactions led the second president of the United States of America to once say “Facts are stubborn things; and whatever may be our wishes, our inclinations, or the dictates of our passion, they cannot alter the state of facts and evidence.” Unfortunately, if you repeat a lie over and over again, those who don’t do their research are vulnerable to being deceived.
They shall say to the elders of his city, ‘This son of ours is stubborn and rebellious; he will not obey us, he is a glutton and a drunkard,’ Deuteronomy 21:20.
Moses compares stubbornness to alcoholism in the passage above. Anyone who drinks too much will come under the influence of foreign spirits. Meanwhile, those who are strong willed struggle to accept ideas, beliefs and notions unfamiliar to their life. Evidence, facts and truth are meant to set people free from stubbornness. Yet, human minds are just as obdurate as a mule. Therefore, if you want to break away from the stubborn things in life, set your heart and mind on things above, Colossians 3:1-4. This process won’t happen over night, but with time God can transform your life if you are willing.
by Jay Mankus
ExpressYourself4Him 