Week Twenty-One - Steadfastly Minded

Stubbornness is most often seen in a negative context. It could be because it frequently comes with an ungracious attitude. But if we change the word from stubborn to steadfast, we have a similar quality but with a more positive context. Let me show you what I mean. 

If someone said,  "Sheer stubbornness caused him to refuse to admit his mistake." We would believe the person to be unyielding and proud. But if we changed the sentence to read, "His steadfastness caused him to hold his position," we'd have more admiration for his stance.

Being steadfast-minded means having a firm, unwavering resolve and focus, not easily swayed by doubt, fear, or external pressures, and remaining steadfast in one's beliefs, decisions, or actions. Steadfast people are mentally strong and resilient, holding firmly to their convictions. This does not mean they are unapproachable or unwilling to consider others' opinions, but they will judge decisions by a consistent set of rules or principles.

Let's consider Ruth's example of steadfastness. Ruth 1:18 reads, "When she (Naomi) saw that she was steadfastly minded to go with her, then she left speaking unto her." As the story goes, Naomi decides to return to Bethlehem after the death of her husband and two sons. Ruth, her daughter-in-law, decides to go with her, and though Naomi gives several reasons for Ruth to remain, Ruth's heart is steadfastly minded about going with Naomi.

Why was Ruth so determined to push forward? Maybe she deeply loved Naomi and felt concerned about her traveling alone. Maybe she had no family to return to, or maybe she believed God had more for her in a new place. For whatever reason, Ruth was steadfastly minded to push forward.

Oswald Chambers said, "When God gives a vision, transact business on that line no matter the cost." That's what Ruth did, and that's what we must do. When God opens the door, we must go through with a steadfast mind, set on completing our assignment by faith. We should not waver, turn back, or be double-minded.

1 Corinthians 15:58 exhorts us, "Be ye steadfast, unmoveable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, forasmuch as ye know that your labour is not in vain in the Lord." 

As much as Ruth is an example of steadfastness, Balaam is an example of stubbornness. He kept pushing forward to a mission of his own choice, and as he struck the donkey, God used the poor animal to point out the folly of his stubbornness.

So, are you stubborn or steadfast? One holds great reward, and the other sure folly.