Preparing.org - Steadfast or Stubborn?

STEADFAST OR STUBBORN?

George W. Bush's illusion of strength

In order to be an effective leader, a President must be firm and resolute; standing for what he believes and unwavering - not seeking popularity, following public opinion, or being tossed to and fro by every wind of doctrine...

In this year's Presidential race, George W. Bush presented himself as just that - a man who stands firmly on principle and doesn’t "flip-flop" on the issues for selfish political gain. And indeed, in the Presidential debates, he stood firmly by his decision to go to war in Iraq, despite finding no weapons of mass destruction [the stated justification for going to war.]

Bush also severely and repeatedly criticized his opponent Sen. Kerry for having no core set of principles, and for sending "mixed messages."

The President's supporters have praised him for being strong and clear about where he stands, while his detractors have criticized him for being "strong but wrong." And while it's true that he's been firm and resolute regarding his decision to invade Iraq, is he really steadfast?

steadfastness is standing firm and unchanging for YHWH's will.

It is written, "Therefore, my beloved brethren, be steadfast, unmovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, forasmuch as you know that your labor is not in vain in the Lord." (I Cor. 15:58).

According to a dictionary definition, being steadfast simply means "Fixed or unchanging; steady." In one sense, this definition applies to George W. Bush. But in the Bible, the word takes on added meaning - faithfulness and truth. Surely the professing 'Christian' Bush has failed to live up to the latter definition...

It is also written, "And it came to pass, when the judge was dead, that they returned, and corrupted themselves more than their fathers, in following other gods to serve them, and to bow down to them; they ceased not from their own doings, nor from their stubborn way." (Judges 2:19).

According to a dictionary definition, being stubborn means "Unreasonably, often perversely unyielding; bullheaded." The same holds true for its usage in scripture. In reality, Bush clearly HAS lived up to THIS definition...

stubbornness is standing firm and unchanging for man’s will.

In the case of the war in Iraq, it's clear that the stated rationale for going to war was a lie, and therefore the original decision requires a total reassessment. But for Bush, to admit to such a mistake would be a sign of weakness or "waffling" on the issues.

In the second debate, the President was asked to name three mistakes he'd made during his tenure in the White House. He responded with a smug glossing over of the question, while "standing firm" on his decision to invade Iraq; along with a vague reference to having made some bad appointments, but refusing to name names so as not to embarrass the incompetent appointees. Hardly a steadfast and resolute response...

As it is written, "He is in the way of life that keeps instruction: but he that refuses reproof errs." (Prov. 10:17).

Without a doubt, leadership must be firm and resolute - but based upon truth. If a leader finds himself on the wrong side of an issue, he must humble himself and make the needed correction. If not, then his chastisement is written - "Pride goes before destruction, and a haughty spirit before a fall." (Prov. 16:18).

Prophet's Commentary