THE FROWARD MAN
by Lahry Sibley
Pro 22:5 Thorns and snares are in the way of the froward: he that doth keep his soul shall be far from them.
The word "froward" is not in use for common everyday language at this time. At least not in my circle of fellowship. So I looked it up.
Froward - difficult to deal with; contrary
Ah. Now more light shines forth. Have you encountered anyone like this? Worse, are you at times "froward"? To clarify even more, lets look at some synonyms:
stubborn · headstrong · willful · unyielding · inflexible · unbending · · stubborn as a mule · pigheaded · bull-headed · self-willed · strong-minded · strong-willed · contrary · perverse · uncooperative · unmanageable · stiff-necked · stiff · rigid · steely · iron-willed · uncompromising · relentless · unrelenting · unpersuadable · immovable · unshakeable · with one's toes/feet dug in · persistent · persevering · tenacious · adamant · firm · steadfast · determined
Any questions? I don't know about you, but before the LORD set HIS will to make something of more value out of my life, I was many, if not most of the things I read above. And I must admit that it has taken many a turn on the potter's wheel to mold me into something that at times is able to capture and hold a little water. I also must admit that if allowed a conscious moment, my self will eagerly gravitates to most of these Froward characteristics.
These traits of fallen man cannot and will not be compensated or pacified with anything other than "thorns and snares".
Thorns idealize those things of life that are sharp and painful. Life without grace and mercy, is often sharp, and painful. The "snares" entrap us and hinder progress.
The sad thing is that many of the synonyms for this word "froward", are found in full function and value, in what is called "church" today. And because of the yet fallen nature of most of the few congregants left, these traits are seen as identifying a "strong" person, even a "leader".
It takes a Froward Person to keep goats in line. You simply cannot lead a goat. They must be driven. I've been to places where families own many goats, some hundreds of them. I've witnessed how these goats are moved about. Those who demand where the goats must travel, are behind them with a rod. And by necessity, they must employ most of the synonyms above in order to have any success at makng any progress that resembles positive direction. And it takes more than one to move them along. Usually a dog or two is involved in this very difficult process.
No matter how religious and determined a man may be, he is yet "froward" in his/her influence among others. There is only one remedy. The CROSS. See, there is no place in HIS kingdom, for "forward people". If we are to have hope to cling too, we must surrender all of the above traits, to death. We give them to the ONLY ONE qualified to receive them. Oh how great, HIS mercy. For in exchange for our frowardness, HE offers and blesses those who surrender their life and are resurrected into new creation life. All is surrendered, including self will. The success of this "profession" of faith, is evidenced by the willingness to now follow the Good Shepherd, without question or pause, wherever HE may lead us. Religion cannot and will not make this necessary transformation from ENEMY of HAYAH, to sheep of HIS fold.
I have to look into the mirror (HIS word) continually, to see if there be any visible DIRT of "frowardness" yet uncrucified in me. Oh how I often need the "washing of the word"......
Eph 5:26 That he might sanctify and cleanse it with the washing of water by the word,
Eph 5:27 That he might present it to himself a glorious church, not having spot, or wrinkle, or any such thing; but that it should be holy and without blemish.
The FROWARD are more than just "blemished" my friend. They make their home and find their comfort in the mire. Thorns and snares continually accompany these, especially the religious institutional kind.
His, what belongs to HIM, is cleansed. And as the dirt of the froward mind and heart attempt to rise up and putrify our best attempts of religious service, even our service must be offered daily, as a living sacrifice. Alive yet without self will, or any of the other synonyms of this dreadful word.......FROWARD.
I don't know about you, but I have had quite enough of this "forward living". I must examine myself daily, often moment by moment, to see if this lepper of a spiritual man, is leaking out of the beautiful tuxedo I like to adorn myself with, so that among others, I appear to be what I most certainly am not.
Who needs mercy and grace more than I? I doubt very few. How about you?
