Four Times When You 'Should' Be Stubborn

In general, stubbornness is a negative trait. A stubborn person is unyielding; they simply will not change. “It’s my way or the highway,” seems to be their mindset. Yet, there are times when we really ought to be stubborn. Here are four times in which you ought to be stubborn.

Stubborn when Tempted:

James reminds us that we are tempted to sin when we are drawn away by our own desires. So, temptation is really not temptation if there is no desire. That is why temptation is so serious, it comes from a desire already within us. (James 1:13-15)

After telling about a number of ways that God had dealt with evil in the past, the Apostle Peter wrote:

The Lord knows how to rescue the godly from temptation, and to keep the unrighteous under punishment for the day of judgment. 
—2 Peter 2:9 (NASB95)

The Apostle Paul encouraged:

No temptation has overtaken you but such as is common to man; and God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation will provide the way of escape also, so that you will be able to endure it. 
—1 Corinthians 10:13 (NASB95)

God wants us to overcome temptation and He will help! Be stubborn when tempted.

Stubborn Faith:

When Jesus appeared to the disciples after His resurrection, they thought He was a ‘spirit.’

And He said to them, “Why are you troubled, and why do doubts arise in your hearts? 
 —Luke 24:38 (NASB95)

Jesus had to show the scars on His hands and feet and eat some food because His disciples doubted what they saw standing in front of them.

Faith is about stubbornly holding on to the truth even when it seems unreal; even when we can’t prove the truth by experimentation; even when we cannot see it with our physical eyes. “We walk by faith, not by sight.” So, whether challenged by circumstances or society, be stubborn in your faith in Jesus.

Stubborn in Doing Good:

It is easy to start thinking, “When is it going to be my turn? When will I get a little attention? Where’s my reward for doing good?”

For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.
—Ephesians 2:10 (NIV)

Let’s not get tired of doing what is good, for at the right time we will reap a harvest—if we do not give up. So then, whenever we have the opportunity, let’s practice doing good to everyone, especially to the family of faith. 
—Galatians 6:9–10 (ISV)

Stubborn throughout Life:

Have you ever thought about giving up on Jesus? Year after year after year you watch people who have no respect for God succeed in life. They seem to have a life of pleasure and ease while you, a Christian, struggling in different ways. It seems unfair. Yet, Paul wrote...

I have fought the good fight. I have completed the race. I have kept the faith. The victor’s crown of righteousness is now waiting for me, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will give to me on the day that he comes, and not only to me but also to all who eagerly wait for his appearing.
—2 Timothy 4:7–8 (ISV)

Generally, stubbornness is not good, but as it relates to temptation, faith, good works, and the Christian life...

Be Stubborn! 

Be Faithful!

Mark Stinnett

March 8, 2020