I've been accused of being hardheaded ever since I was a kid. While sometimes others throw ugly sounding words my direction like "stubborn" or "arrogant," I prefer to think of my self as confident and determined. Pigheaded just doesn't sound very nice to me.
Surely all of us at times have be accused of something similar. It may not be our normal behavior, but on occasion, well let's just say we resemble that remark. Like me, during those moments, you think of yourself more as determined than stubborn. And even though nasty comments flow from the mouths of others, you remain steadfast.
Sometimes stubbornness isn't all bad. Sometimes one has to maintain a determined spirit to get something accomplished. We often use phrases like "hardheaded" or "pigheaded" in a negative tone, and probably rightfully so. However, there are times when it's essential to stand your ground or keep up the pursuit.
Here in this passage, God tells Ezekiel that He wants Zeke to be hardheaded. In fact, God says He's going to make Zeke hardheaded. Why? Somehow I didn't think obstinacy was one of the character traits of the Fruit of the Spirit. Doesn't seem like it goes along with love, peace, patience, etc.
But that depends on how you look at it. If a parent goes to no end to save their child, we consider that admirable, even necessary. They are bound and determined to do whatever it takes. In another situation we might call that hardheaded. But in this situation we would call that love.
The fact that God wants His children, really all people to hear and respond to His words of truth and hope, means that sometimes He and His prophets/messengers have to have a determined spirit. They have to be hardheaded at times. It's really an act of love. If you truly love someone, you won't let them destroy themselves.
It's interesting that God sends Ezekiel to people he knows really well. He speaks their language. He knows their culture and their ways. He's one of them. Maybe that's why hardheadedness is required. Going to people you you're not connected with, makes it easier to let them go. People you love, you never give up on. You may have to display some tough love, but you don't give up on them.
God, I know that I'm hardheaded about some things. But I want to be hardheaded about the right things, things of your Kingdom. Help me continue to proclaim your message, uphold your truth, hold out your grace, even when it seems like all ears are deaf. Give me the determination without the obstinacy that repels.
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