Table of Contents
What Does Obstinate Mean?
Are you too obstinate to change? Your initial response might be, no. However, some take pride in being obstinate; but then, they’re actually stubborn, and there is a difference, however so slight. Most would probably like to think they don’t fall under this category, but they might be surprised if they understood the significance of the word. They may have to think again, which would be somewhat ironic. So, what does this word mean?
Obstinate is an adjective, which means resolutely adhering to an opinion, purpose or course, in spite of reason, arguments or persuasion. Obstinate also means not easily subdued. So what’s the difference between obstinate and stubborn?
To be stubborn can imply deliberate or irrational obstructiveness, rather than mere refusal to comply with persuasion. Another way to put it, to be stubborn is to be unreasonably or perversely unyielding. It actually takes it up a notch. To be stubborn is to be uncooperative on purpose. Being stubborn isn’t always bad. For example, being stubborn about following Jesus is a good thing.
Okay, so you’ve humbled yourself before the Lord, and would consider yourself obedient to Him, at least, by and large. Yet, there’s those things that surface, which are contrary to His nature. The frustrating thing is you don’t want to be contrary to His nature, but there it is, staring you in the face. Incidentally, if you were stubborn, you would intentionally be contrary. Perhaps, you’re being obstinate after all. How so?
Opinions can be Obstinate
One component of being obstinate is resolutely adhering to an opinion. So, what’s an opinion? One definition is an appraisal formed in the mind about a particular matter. It’s a view, or a judgment one holds to be true. In one sense, to be obstinate is to be opinionated, which means unduly adhering to one’s own opinion or to preconceived notions.
One problem some face is holding onto opinions that were formed in their mind early in life. These opinions are contrary to the Word of God, yet they hold onto them for dear life. They’re also known as strongholds (see 2 Corinthians 10:3-5). To them, they are part of their identity, so when God reveals their new or true identity in Jesus, they argue with Him. “I don’t argue with God!” Are you sure?
Being Obstinate is Foolish
Proverbs 20:3 It is an honour for a man to cease from strife: but every fool will be meddling (but any fool will quarrel). In the Hebrew, Meddling is a primary root, which means to be obstinate.
Subconsciously, we may be arguing with God. Meaning, we are holding onto opinions that don’t match His reality. For instance, when we were born again, everything changed, and we became a new person (see 2 Corinthians 5:17). Notwithstanding, if we were to believe we’re still the same person before meeting Jesus, our opinion would obstruct your new nature, and we would wind up thinking or behaving contrary to the Word of God.
Such opinions hinder us from conforming to His image. As long as one adheres to lies, he or she will push truth away. Just because you’re comfortable with an opinion, doesn’t mean you should hold on to it. If a person says, “I humbled myself before the Lord,” but refuses to let go of the lie, is he actually humble? How does contradicting God constitute humility?
Question Obstinacy
Be stubborn about being conformed to the image of Jesus, and question your obstinacy. Should you find yourself thinking or behaving contrary to the Word of God, ask yourself why? “Why am I thinking this way?” “Why did I act that way?” Is there underlying opinion about yourself that you’re refusing to relinquish for God’s truth?
Here is one way to challenge it: look in the mirror and tell yourself, “You are everything God says you are, and you can do everything He says you can!” Please, take that statement to heart.
