DON’T BE SO STUBBORN!

The View From Above: Thoughts to Help With Everyday Life

August 2, 2026

Pastor Paul Stephens

Don't Be So Stubborn!

DON'T BE SO STUBBORN!

From time to time, that's something all of us need to hear.

Why?

Because we can all be stubborn, and stubbornness is never a good attribute.

It can damage our relationships and become a serious obstacle in our walk with God.

Stubbornness is the determination to remain firm—even when we're headed in the wrong direction.

It is an unwillingness to change course, even when God is trying to redirect us.

The challenge is that stubbornness is often deceptive.

We become convinced that we are right.

We insist on our own way.

We may even try to force our opinions on others while refusing to consider that we could be mistaken.

Scripture Focus

Psalm 81:11–12

"But My people would not heed My voice, and Israel would have none of Me. So I gave them over to their own stubborn heart, to walk in their own counsels."

That is a sobering warning.

When we continually refuse to listen to God's voice and insist on our own way, we eventually find ourselves living with the consequences of our own decisions.

The qualities we should pursue instead are humility, flexibility, and a willingness to listen.

Sometimes we become so fixed in our thinking that pride keeps us from hearing wise counsel or receiving God's correction.

I can write about this because I've been there.

Perhaps you have too.

Take time to honestly consider whether stubbornness is affecting your life today.

Could it be harming one of your relationships?

Could it be creating unnecessary tension in your marriage?

Could it be standing between you and God's perfect will?

Don't be so stubborn.

It simply isn't worth the price you'll pay.

Scripture Focus

Proverbs 3:6

"In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct your paths."

Sometimes we acknowledge our own way instead of His.

Let's not make that mistake.

Today's Challenge

Ask the Lord to reveal any area of your life where pride or stubbornness may be keeping you from His best.

Be willing to listen.

Be willing to change.

Be willing to follow God's direction, even when it means letting go of your own plans.

A teachable heart is a heart that God can continually guide, shape, and bless.