Pain in the Neck
You get the meaning, even if it wasn’t a commonly used phrase when you were growing up. An unpleasant task or a person that was difficult to deal with often earned the designation of pain in the neck. This category included anything or anyone that was stubborn, annoying, irritating.
Mary, Mary quite contrary. This opening phrase of a nursery rhyme was quoted to me many times in my childhood by one of my brothers who was especially adept at getting under my skin. The taunt was usually successful in provoking an ornery response from me, which effectively proved his point. It served as a reminder to me that I had done something I should not have. I was not perfect. There were some character flaws, ones that I did not like to acknowledge even at a younger age. Did I enjoy being uncooperative, difficult, unhelpful, disobedient? Not really. Was I trying to set my own course, captain my own ship, show my independence? I likely thought so. Was there a lot of pride and impatience involved in this behavior? Definitely.
With age and maturity, I began to recognize my contrariness and work to be less stubborn and unyielding. I saw the value in compromise, the wisdom of yielding to others in many circumstances.
But what about yielding to God? This is an important lesson I am still struggling with... my too-often, stiff-necked response to His Call. I know I am being described when the Lord tells Moses “I have seen this people, how stiff-necked they are.” Exodus 32:9
When will I learn not to be a pain in the neck to God and others? I am even annoying to myself at times! Resisting His Holy Spirit? Really? Is that what it comes down to? Apparently, it does. Those times when I live by only the letter of the law. When I fail to show kindness and mercy toward others. My judgmental attitude about the actions of another while making excuses for my own shortcomings. A lack of forgiveness. Contrary. Stubborn. Stiff-necked for sure. I purposely ignore the whispers and nudges of His Spirit. I can and should do better.
O Lord, break down the stiff-necked spirit within us. Soften us, cleanse us, renew us. Make us ready to hear your Word and welcome the guidance of your Holy Spirit.