Strong-willed

<<firm, resolute>>

It is generally considered a desirable quality to be decisive and determined, not easily dissuaded by opinions and peer pressure. Such a person can be stubborn, self-opinionated, arrogant and fiercely independent as they want to manage themselves. Being self-starters, they are usually good at setting goals, accomplishing tasks and determining their own schedule and use of time. They may be so confident their views are right that they will not readily give-up their stance even if advised against a course of action. Christians, however, should be humble enough to change if clearly shown a particular belief or choice is wrong. The religious leaders of Jesus day are an example of this weakness – even though they had lots of evidence showing Jesus was the Son of God they refused to alter their view.

On the other hand, Jesus resolutely accepted His mission on earth to die on the cross for sinful humanity (Lk 9:51). He did not allow Satan to prevent Him from completely fulfilling God’s requirement. Paul also was relentless in tracking down and persecuting the Christians yet when God miraculously intervened in his life the same uncompromising passion he had used to oppose God was redirected

Am I determined to fulfil His calling for me?

to serving Him (Act 9:1,2,19-22). He suffered greatly for Christ but counted it a privilege, having an eternal perspective, and continually pressed on to know Christ in a deeper manner (Rom 8:18; 2 Cor 4:17; Phil 3:8,12-14). God was able to harness and use his forceful nature to advance the cause of Christianity in what without doubt is the greatest example of a person ‘sold out’ to the Lord (Act 20:24).

Being strong-willed can be either be a good and bad virtue, depending on the course of action being undertaken.