There is a big difference between tenacity and stubbornness. The tenacious person is “not easily stopped or pulled apart; firm or strong; persistent in maintaining, adhering to, or seeking something valued or desired” (Merriam-Webster). The stubborn person, on the other hand, is “unreasonably or perversely unyielding.”

Maybe you’ve been called stubborn regarding certain truths you see as absolutes that guide your life. Some things are black and white, and you won’t deviate in your convictions. If so, you’re in good company.

After Job lost virtually everything that was dear to him, his wife, frustrated at his “stubbornness,” said, “Do you still retain your integrity? Curse God and die!” (Job 2:9). Though her words dripped with contempt, she discovered that her husband was unshakable through his entire ordeal.

“Let us hold on to the confession of our hope without wavering,” said the writer of Hebrews (10:23). “Hold on to what is good,” said Paul (1 Thess. 5:21). There is a time to capitulate and a time to hold fast.

Today, if someone has accused you of being stubborn (or “intolerant,” “bullheaded,” or “opinionated”), be sure to look inward to make sure you’re not refusing to budge because of pride, anger, pressure, or the like. But if your motivation is a holy and firm adherence to the Word—or better yet, to God Himself—then hold fast.