Stubborn

If there was one word to describe me, it would probably be stubborn. Okay, so there are a lot of other words that could describe me as well, but usually the one I hear most often is stubborn. Before, I used to think that this was strictly a negative characteristic. Growing up when my mom would tell me that I was stubborn, it was usually because I refused to clean my room or do something else. Most of the time, my stubbornness comes out when I refuse to do something or will purposely ignore someone or something in order to have control. Over the years I have learned that being stubborn is not always a bad thing. For instance, a stubborn person can have really strong boundaries and can withstand pressure from others. This morning, I discovered that being stubborn can be negative not just in our relationships with other people, but also in our relationship with God. Sometimes, we can feel so exposed and so imperfect that we refuse to allow God to change us. We run because we are scared. I have noticed that a lot of times, it is a pride issue. Not only am I ashamed and afraid of my sin and imperfections, but I also am way too stubborn to admit that I am in the wrong. I know that I am in the wrong, and God surely knows that I am in the wrong, but somehow in my mind, being stubborn is a safer option. Why be stubborn to the one who can break down any walls that I put up? Today I can choose to begin to tear down those walls.