In what ways can we ensure our hearts are not "stiff-necked" today? Recognizing the Problem – “Circumcise your hearts, therefore, and stiffen your necks no more.” (Deuteronomy 10:16) – “You stiff-necked people, uncircumcised in heart and ears, you always resist the Holy Spirit.” (Acts 7:51) Stiff-necked describes a will that refuses to bend. Left unchecked, it hardens into settled rebellion. Root Causes That Show Up Today • Prideful self-reliance • Settled patterns of selective obedience • Comfort with cultural norms that clash with Scripture • Spiritual apathy born of distraction or entertainment overload • Hurt or disappointment allowed to fester into cynicism Daily Heart Checks • Invite God’s searchlight: “Search me, O God…see if there is any offensive way in me.” (Psalm 139:23-24) • Measure motives and choices against clear commands (James 1:22). • Notice recurring excuses—anything regularly justified is likely an idol. • Ask trusted believers to speak candidly; isolation feeds stubbornness (Hebrews 3:12-13). Immersing in Truth • Read wide—full-Bible intake guards against cherry-picking. • Read slow—meditation lets Scripture expose hidden resistance (Hebrews 4:12). • Read surrendered—decide in advance to obey what is revealed. Practicing Quick Obedience • Respond immediately to promptings from the Word or the Spirit (Galatians 5:25). • Start small: reconcile, apologize, give, serve. Faith grows by doing, not delaying. • View obedience as love expression, not legal duty (John 14:15). Embracing Humility • Recall God’s rightful authority: “He is the LORD; let him do what is good in his sight.” (1 Samuel 3:18) • Celebrate answered prayers of others; envy stiffens the neck. • Connect successes back to God’s grace rather than personal skill (1 Corinthians 4:7). Living Repentant, Not Perfect • Keep short accounts—confess sin as soon as conviction hits (1 John 1:9). • Receive correction gratefully; it is evidence of sonship (Proverbs 12:1; Hebrews 12:6). • Rest in the new-heart promise: “I will remove your heart of stone and give you a heart of flesh.” (Ezekiel 36:26). Strengthened Through Community • Gather faithfully; worship softens the heart. • Submit to biblical leadership; God often speaks through earthly shepherds (Hebrews 13:17). • Serve alongside others—shared mission keeps focus off self. By practicing humble, responsive obedience in these tangible ways, we guard against the stiff-necked posture and enjoy the freedom of a tender, teachable heart before God. |
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