A stubborn person is determined to do what he or she wants and refuses to listen to anyone else. Even if that person listens, will interpret perversely to match his/her intentions and decisions. Stubbornness is dangerous and could lead to death. Moses taught: “One who, when he hears the words of this sworn covenant, blesses himself in his heart, saying, ‘I shall be safe, though I walk in the stubbornness of my heart…’The LORD will not be willing to forgive him, but rather the anger of the LORD and his jealousy will smoke against that man, and the curses written in this book will settle upon him, and the LORD will blot out his name from under heaven. (Deuteronomy 29:19-20)
Selective application: The person understands the covenant, the promise of grace and protection, but refuses to understand that there would be consequences for the violation. Many even today, like promises and refuse to read the conditions demanded by God for the fulfillment of the promises.
External piety: Sadly, the religious leaders of Judaism searched the Scriptures but could not find the truth. (John 5:39-40) They were rotten inside like a tomb but had an external show of religiosity. (Matthew 23:27-28)
Holiness and Judgement: God is Holy and righteous. God punishes sinners who do not want to repent, are rebellious against God, and continue to be comfortable living sinful life. If God does not punish sinners, He makes a compromise with sin and sinners.
Demands Accountability: God has created humans as responsible moral beings. Hence, God demands an account of each person. Nothing escapes his scrutiny. A person could bless himself and believe that nothing will happen, but God weighs his intentions and judges him. “All the ways of a man are pure in his own eyes, but the LORD weighs the spirit. (Proverbs 16:2)
Humble Heart: God expects humans to be humble before God. They should be sorrowful for being sinful, repent, determine to forsake sin, trust in Lord Jesus Christ seeking forgiveness. They will be forgiven and empowered to overcome sin.
Do I have a humble or stubborn heart?