Surrender That Stubborn Pride

 Stubbornness has been both praised and criticized throughout history. Some people take pride in their stubbornness. Karl Jung, the Swiss psychologist, wrote, "I regret the foolish mistakes that sprang from my stubbornness, but without that trait I would have never reached my goal." Stubbornness can keep us on track while we’re pressing on toward worthy goals.

Sophocles, the Greek dramatist expressed another view in his play Antigone: "Stubbornness and stupidity are twins," but some people believe stubbornness protects their fragile self-esteem. In truth, stubbornness can be a huge obstacle to overcome while seeking and receiving forgiveness. How easy is it to give in to pride, even when knowing it’s a glaring mistake?

However, obstacles can be turned into opportunity. Obstacles can be challenged head-on by refusing to give in to real and artificial barriers and by asking God for courage and wisdom to grant and receive forgiveness. You can surrender your stubborn pride to Christ, who will sufficiently enable you with the strength to overcome it. 

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You stubborn and hardhearted people! You are always fighting against the Holy Spirit, just as your ancestors did.

~Acts 7:51 Contemporary English Version

Too much pride can put you to shame. It’s wiser to be humble.

~Proverbs 11:2 Contemporary English Version

Then if my people will humble themselves and pray, and search for me, and turn from their wicked ways, I will hear them from heaven and forgive their sins and heal their land. I will listen, wide awake, to every prayer made in this place.

~2 Chronicles 7:14-15 The Living Bible