The Danger Of A Hardened Heart.

“But they didn’t listen, nor did they pay attention. They pursued their own plans, stubbornly following their own evil desires. They went backward and not forward.” Jer. 7:24.

In the summer of 1986 precisely August 31, two ships, the passenger liner Admiral Nakhimov collided with the freighter Pyotr Vasev in the Black Sea off the coast of Russia. Resulting in a catastrophic sinking of the Nakhimov that killed 423 people who were hurled into the icy waters below. News of the disaster was further darkened when an investigation revealed the cause of the accident. It wasn't a technology problem like radar malfunction--or even thick fog. The cause was human stubbornness. Each captain was aware of the other ship's presence nearby. Both could have steered clear, but according to news reports, neither captain wanted to give way to the other. Each was too proud to yield first. By the time they came to their senses, it was too late. 

The word of God consistently portrays stubbornness as a serious sin rooted in pride and rebellion against divine authority. It is not merely a personality disorder but a spiritual condition that hinders one's relationship with God and leads to negative consequences. Stubbornness is fundamentally a refusal to listen to, follow, or be corrected by God's instructions or the guidance of the Holy Spirit. The prophet Samuel delivered a strong rebuke to King Saul, stating, "For rebellion is like the sin of divination, and stubbornness is as iniquity and idolatry" (1 Sam. 15:23). This highlights its severity, as it involves placing one's own will and opinions above God's commands. You cannot combine being a believer with being stubborn, these two do not really align.

Throughout the Old Testament, the Israelites are often described as a "stiff-necked" people, an expression symbolizing their refusal to bow their necks in submission to God. The New Testament connects stubbornness to a "hard and unrepentant heart," which leads to spiritual blindness and an inability to receive divine truth. The word of God warns of several severe consequences for persistent stubbornness. Stubbornness angers God because it shows a rejection of His love and a preference for self-destruction over the blessings He offers. In Prov. 29:1 the scriptures warn: "A man who remains stiff-necked after much reproof will suddenly be shattered beyond recovery". That is no doubt total and complete separation from God eternally.

FURTHER READING:

“You men who are stiff-necked and uncircumcised in heart and ears are always resisting the Holy Spirit; you are doing just as your fathers did.” Acts. 7:51.

“he again fixes a definite day—“Today”—saying long afterward through David, as already quoted, “Today, if you hear his voice, do not harden your hearts.” Heb. 4:7.

DECLARATION: 

Dear Abba Father, I thank You for the gift of life and the privilege of salvation. Lord, I thank You that I am not controlled by my flesh or the desires of my old nature but By the Spirit of the Lord. I ask You to renew my mind and transform my heart to follow Your commands with joy. Let Your Word dwell richly in my heart, guiding me to walk in obedience to Your will at all times. Silence every demonic voice of rebellion speaking into my life, and I declare that my thoughts, will, and emotions are aligned with the Word of God in the mighty name of Jesus, amen.

1 YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN:

Acts. 16:1-40.

Acts. 17:1-34.

Acts. 18:1-28.

Acts. 19:1-41.

QUOTE FOR THE DAY:

“The Unfortunate Thing About Life Is That Many Do More For Their Stubbornness Than For Their Advancements.”