Tenacious or stubborn
This past week, our weather resembled a yo-yo; cold and rainy alternated with spring-like conditions. On a recent walk, I spied a young beech tree, last year’s leaves still clinging to slender branches. Are they tenacious or stubborn?
I often ask the same question–about myself.
Tenacious
I mostly consider tenacious to be a positive quality. If we have tenacity we are persistent and don’t give up easily. That’s a good thing–isn’t it? Being tenacious keeps us going when the going is tough. Tenacity helps us complete the goals we set for ourselves. Persistence is necessary for us to to keep going, even as we face difficult challenges that we encounter on life’s journey.
When applied to my life, tenacity enabled me to complete a PhD while teaching full time and being a wife and mother. It was HARD! But with the support of my family, I pushed through it and succeeded. Achieving this challenging goal enabled me to teach at the university, a life-long dream.
But what about stubbornness?
I’ve my share of stubbornness, too. What about these traits?
- Wanting things done a certain way (my way)
- Winning a debate (argument)
- Resisting apologizing, even when I know I’m wrong
But to be fair to myself, my decision, many years ago, to give up control and submit to Jesus has greatly improved my actions. My negative personality traits reduced significantly after I accepted Jesus as my Savior.
Wisdom from Scripture reminds us that stubbornness can lead us astray:
But these people have stubborn and rebellious hearts; they have turned aside and gone astray. They do not say to themselves, ‘Let us fear the Lord our God, who gives autumn and spring rains in season, who assures us of the regular weeks of harvest.’ Your wrong doings have kept these away; your sins have deprived you of good. (Jeremiah 5:23-25)
The way of fools seems right to them, but the wise listen to advice. (Proverbs 12:15)
Distinguishing between tenacity and stubbornness:
So what is the difference between stubbornness and tenacity? Don’t both of them include a determination to complete complete goals, do tasks correctly, and do our best?
It depends . . .
Our motives matter
- Are we seeking to walk with Jesus and use His guiding principles to shape our actions?
- Do we put the needs of others above our own?
- Do our interactions with others reflect the Fruit of the Spirit?
Those control issues in my past (which I now label stubbornness), were my own selfish desires. I wasn’t placing the needs of others first.
What do you view as the difference between tenacity and stubbornness? How do the two intertwine in your life?
Here’s another example. This Camellia bush bloomed early in January–then we had some frigid weather–thus the brown blooms. But the bush didn’t give up. This week new, glorious blooms appeared in the lower, more protected part of the bush.
The Camellia didn’t give up. She shared beauty again. We can share beauty to others through our tenacity as well.
The Fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self control. Against such things there is no law. (Galatians 5:22-23)
I definitely see stubbornness as a desire to be in control. I do admire tenacity, but it takes self-examination to figure out our underlying motives. Great post, Katherine!
Thank you, Priscilla. You are right, we need ongoing self-examination and reflection to understand our motives. Keeping a close connection with our Savior is imperative, too. I’m so thankful He’s always only a prayer away when we need help.
Katherine, I can identify with your weather (from recent thunderstorms to ice, snow, and now rain today) and your personality (tenacious and stubborn) descriptions. Thank you for the reminder that motives matter. Blessings.
Diana, our weather is constantly changing–on that we can depend. Thankfully, we can always depend on our Lord’s guidance to show us what needs changing in our lives. Wishing you joy and blessings.
Great post, Katherine! As I considered tenacity and stubbornness in my own life, I concluded that when I’m stubborn I’m doing things in my strength; when I’m tenacious I’m looking to the Lord for strength. I keep praying that I would always keep my eyes on Him!
Thank you for sharing your thoughts, Kim. I love your description of stubborn and tenacious, when applied to your life. I think I’m that way, too. Hope your week is blessed.
Katherine, an interesting and informative comparison that helps me want to pause and consider which one I’m practicing in the moment.
It’s a lot to ponder, isn’t it, Debbie? Aren’t we blessed that our loving Lord is with us to guide us along the right pathway–if we just ask.
Katherine, I identify with both character traits. Stubbornness often ruled in my younger years, but now I’m more tenacious than stubborn. I take no credit. My Lord has been longsuffering and gracious for me to become who I am today. And, I’m aware.
I can still be stubborn. Thanks for reminding me to keep myself in check.
Your journey sounds much like mine, Lisa. I’m so thankful that we have a loving Father that doesn’t give up on us. May your week be full of peace and blessings.
I struggle with these characteristics as well. I’m tenacious and I persevere! Often, my stubbornness keeps me going long after it’s time to give up the ship. Time and energy wasted. I need to rely on God’s direction more than my own efforts.
We are blessed that our Father answers when we call on Him to help us distinguish between tenacity and stubbornness. I just need to to pray for His guidance instead of going my own way. Thank you for sharing your thoughts, Candyce.
Yes, stubbornness is rebellion. But we don’t always see it that way. The remedy is to submit to God’s authority and His will and for us to get off our own throne. Thanks for sharing this, Katherine.
Barbara, I’ve experienced lots of stubbornness over the years that I wanted to label in terms kinder to myself–but as God continued to have patience with me, guiding me to abide by the Fruit of the Spirit, I confessed my stubbornness and cried out for help. I’ve been so blessed by our Father’s grace, love, and mercy. Thank you for sharing your thoughts.
Interesting comparison, Katherine. I can think of many traits that I need to submit to Holy Spirit’s control so that they don’t bend in the wrong direction.
Me, too, Terri! I’m so thankful our loving Father doesn’t give up on us. Peace and blessings!
Thank you for defining the difference Katherine. I want to tell myself it is tenacity when often it is stubbornness. Like you, over the years, I find ways to let go of my stubbornness.
Yvonne–I wish I could honestly label my stubbornness as tenacity, but I can’t. I’m so grateful He is patient with us and He has shaped me into a better person. Thank you for your ministry and for being a wonderful role model for us. Blessings!
Stubbornness can be short-sighted, that we want our way in the moment. But let’s say tenacity keeps its focus on God and stays faithful because He and His plan are worth it. Would that work? I vote for tenacity and want to practice this in my heart.
I love your description and application, Katy. Thanks so much for sharing your insights. Hope you are feeling better and this week is one of joy and blessings for you and your family.