Good morning!
We talk a lot about being “stubborn” here in rural southwestern Minnesota, where many continue in the farming way of life similar to their parents and grandparents.
Sometimes “stubborn” is kind of cute and we laugh about it. Sometimes it explains someone’s eccentricities or resistance to new technology, such as a person who refuses to use a dishwasher or clothes dryer becau
We talk a lot about being “stubborn” here in rural southwestern Minnesota, where many continue in the farming way of life similar to their parents and grandparents.
Sometimes “stubborn” is kind of cute and we laugh about it. Sometimes it explains someone’s eccentricities or resistance to new technology, such as a person who refuses to use a dishwasher or clothes dryer becau
se one didn’t have one or need one years ago.
My grandmother swore she would never fly in an airplane or have a microwave in her home. She did eventually fly in an airplane when she grew older and frail, and it became the only way to visit her grandchildren 5 states away. And a microwave was something she gradually grew to rely on when my mother bought her one, as she lived alone and often reheated single portions of frozen “hotdishes” for her meals.
Our reading in Ecclesiasticus today, however, makes us see “stubborn” in a different light—without ever mentioning the word “stubborn.” We are not talking about the kind of stubborn that is “cute” and maybe just a bit old fashioned. Stubborn can also describe someone who is opinionated and refuses to consider other views. Someone who finds fault and refuses to “listen”!
Stubborn can mean someone who has already made up their mind about someone before they ever meet them or something before they have ever personally experienced it. Someone who is so stubborn they have become “blind” to the truth.
Ecclesiasticus teaches,
“Do not find fault before you investigate;
examine first, and then criticize.
Do not answer before you listen,
and do not interrupt when another is speaking.
Do not argue about a matter that does not concern you,
and do not sit with sinners when they judge a case.”
Friends, you don’t have to be elderly to be stubborn and opinionated. Young children can be stubborn and opinionated, too—and I am sure early childhood teachers and parents of toddlers will agree with me on this one!
But the Bible urges us to keep on learning and growing with the Spirit throughout our lives. Being stubborn can stunt our growth and squelch the joy and empowerment that the Spirit brings.
We are called to have open hearts and open minds—and be ready to embrace the Spirit’s transforming work in our lives. Even if it’s a little scary at times.
Be firm in your convictions about your faith, my friends.
But don’t be so stubborn or set in your ways that you are blind to the truth and cannot see what the will of God is for your life.
Will you pray with me?
Heavenly Father, forgive us for being stubborn at times and set in our ways. Forgive us for wanting to be comfortable with our routines and lives and resistant to change and growth. Give us the courage to be open to meeting and befriending new people and widening our evangelical reach. Fill us with your Spirit so we may know Your will for us and experience your joy and peace as we walk with You each day. In Christ we pray. Amen.
Today’s readings are Ecclesiasticus 11:2-20; Revelation 9:13-21; Luke 10:38-42; and Psalm 31.
Blessings in Christ!
Pastor Karen
My grandmother swore she would never fly in an airplane or have a microwave in her home. She did eventually fly in an airplane when she grew older and frail, and it became the only way to visit her grandchildren 5 states away. And a microwave was something she gradually grew to rely on when my mother bought her one, as she lived alone and often reheated single portions of frozen “hotdishes” for her meals.
Our reading in Ecclesiasticus today, however, makes us see “stubborn” in a different light—without ever mentioning the word “stubborn.” We are not talking about the kind of stubborn that is “cute” and maybe just a bit old fashioned. Stubborn can also describe someone who is opinionated and refuses to consider other views. Someone who finds fault and refuses to “listen”!
Stubborn can mean someone who has already made up their mind about someone before they ever meet them or something before they have ever personally experienced it. Someone who is so stubborn they have become “blind” to the truth.
Ecclesiasticus teaches,
“Do not find fault before you investigate;
examine first, and then criticize.
Do not answer before you listen,
and do not interrupt when another is speaking.
Do not argue about a matter that does not concern you,
and do not sit with sinners when they judge a case.”
Friends, you don’t have to be elderly to be stubborn and opinionated. Young children can be stubborn and opinionated, too—and I am sure early childhood teachers and parents of toddlers will agree with me on this one!
But the Bible urges us to keep on learning and growing with the Spirit throughout our lives. Being stubborn can stunt our growth and squelch the joy and empowerment that the Spirit brings.
We are called to have open hearts and open minds—and be ready to embrace the Spirit’s transforming work in our lives. Even if it’s a little scary at times.
Be firm in your convictions about your faith, my friends.
But don’t be so stubborn or set in your ways that you are blind to the truth and cannot see what the will of God is for your life.
Will you pray with me?
Heavenly Father, forgive us for being stubborn at times and set in our ways. Forgive us for wanting to be comfortable with our routines and lives and resistant to change and growth. Give us the courage to be open to meeting and befriending new people and widening our evangelical reach. Fill us with your Spirit so we may know Your will for us and experience your joy and peace as we walk with You each day. In Christ we pray. Amen.
Today’s readings are Ecclesiasticus 11:2-20; Revelation 9:13-21; Luke 10:38-42; and Psalm 31.
Blessings in Christ!
Pastor Karen
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