Knowing the Difference Between Stubborn Pride & Faithful Perseverance
“There is a difference between a fleshly stubbornness and a godly perseverance.” — William Thrasher
Though there is plenty of talk these days about a lack of resilience among the younger generations, there are still a lot of men who model grit, determination, and perseverance. We need gritty, resilient men, to hold the line, fight the good fight, and say in the words of Tom Petty, “You could stand me up at the gates of Hell, but I won't back down.”
Sometimes as men, however, it can be difficult to discern the difference between godly perseverance and fleshly stubbornness. When are praised for standing their ground, never giving up, and refusing to surrender, it can fuel an arrogance and ego dressed as “zeal.”
So what is the difference between stubborn pride and faithful perseverance? Stubborn pride digs in to protect a man’s ego and reputation. Faithful perseverance holds tight to fulfill God’s calling. Here are 3 ways to know that your perseverance is coming from the right place.
- Your Perseverance is Marked by Confession and Repentance - If you can’t admit when you are wrong, confess your sins, or change your ways, there is a strong chance that you are stuck in a place of stubborn pride. Grit should not prevent a man from admitting he made a mistake.
- Your Perseverance is Marked by Humble Service to Others - If your fierce dedication motivated by a desire to “prove yourself” to someone, or “show them they were wrong about you,” you may be coming from a position of pride instead of humility. The goal of faithful perseverance is not to “show up” or “show off” for man, but to display the glory of God through your dedication and commitment.
- Your Perseverance is Marked by a Commitment to the Health & Wellbeing of your Family - Men can often claim they are working long hours for the sake of their family, even when their dedication to the grind is hurting their most important relationships. A stubborn pride may seem well intentioned, but if it is hurting our wives and kids, it should be evaluated immediately.
Reflection: Have you ever been accused of doing things “for the Lord” with stubborn pride? Were those accusations merited?
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