God's Coaching #219

God's Coaching #219

Have you heard people say they would die trying? Unfortunately, that’s what happened at the World Sauna Championships. Russian Vladimir Ladyzhenskiy died August 7, 2010, in the finals. Saunas are popular around the world and especially in Finland. Steam is a good way to stay warm in the country’s cold climate. But the sauna competition has always been too extreme. The idea is to see who can last the longest sitting in a steam-filled room where the temperatures can reach 230 degrees or more. It’s basically a stubborn fest. Remember, water boils at 212 degrees. During past competitions, contestants had suffered medical problems, including burns and blisters. That kind of heat can essentially boil the skin.

Vladimir and five-time champion Timo Kaukonen were the last two competitors remaining in the 2010 finals. Sadly, Vladimir didn’t make it out alive. Even Timo had to be put in the hospital for serious burns. Organizers said they would never hold the event again after Vladimir’s death. It’s sad that the stubbornness cost a life first.

What’s the Score?

There’s a difference between persistence and stubbornness. Persistence can be a good thing as you keep trying to accomplish a goal. Stubbornness is persistence mixed with stupidity. Stubbornness refuses to listen to wisdom or common sense even when the results could be dangerous.

The ancient Israelites were stubborn as they kept disobeying God. The Bible also uses the phrase stiff-necked (Deuteronomy 9:13, NIV) to describe them. It’s like the people gritted their teeth, clenched all their muscles, and shouted “I won’t!” to God. Not smart. Their disobedience caused them pain, problems, and suffering. We often act the same way. We might know the right thing to do but refuse to do it. Don’t be stupid—“Do not be stubborn, as they were, but submit yourselves to the LORD” (2 Chronicles 30:8). Choose obedience and God’s peace, strength, and blessing. Choose to harvest good results from good decisions.

On the Ball

Can you remember a specific situation where you were stubborn? Is there a certain area of your life where you show a lot of stubbornness? Obey God by obeying your parents in an area that you’ve been fighting them about.

Coach’s Comment

Do not be stubborn, as they were, but submit yourselves to the LORD. Come to his Temple, which he has set apart as holy forever. Worship the LORD your God so that his fierce anger will turn away from you. 2 Chronicles 30:8