Pig Headed Christians

It might seem strange to see flying pigs atop the steamboat-stacks at the Sawyer Point riverfront park along the Ohio River. Since 1819, Cincinnati has been called "Porkopolis." The derogatory name made fun of the frontier city and its distasteful meatpacking industry. In response, creative citizens gave Cincinnati's pigs wings, turning the disparaging label into a symbol of civic pride – thus today the “Flying Pig Marathon” etc. The expression “pig headed” however, still denotes a derogatory meaning of being bullheaded, stubborn and headstrong.


I am reminded what C.S. Lewis had to say on this subject, "There is nothing progressive about being pig headed and refusing to admit a mistake." Sadly, it is easy for Christians to become pig headed. James 5:16 tells us to, “Confess your faults one to another, and pray one for another, that ye may be healed…” What does it mean to confess our faults?


John Gill said, “(it) must be understood of sins committed against one another; which should be acknowledged, and repentance for them declared, in order to mutual forgiveness and reconciliation.” Even the early church while being under great attack was plagued by division within. 1 Corinthians 1:10 tells us, “ Now I beseech you, brethren, by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that ye all speak the same thing, and that there be no divisions among you; but that ye be perfectly joined together in the same mind and in the same judgment.” What causes us not to be open and willing to ask forgiveness and seek restoration? May I suggest just a few reasons--all three being first cousins?


Pride – “Behold, his soul which is lifted up is not upright in him: but the just shall live by his faith”- Habakkuk 2:4. Since the fall of Satan, pride has been the root problem of sin. Pride makes it hard to say the simple words, “Forgive me, I was wrong.”


Self-Centeredness - Our thoughts and considerations are only about ourselves. We often fail to consider that there may be some purpose bigger and more important than our personal comfort and happiness in a situation. God may be doing something that will benefit eternity while we are merely thinking of ourselves today.


Self Reliance – Paul learned it was only when he saw his own weakness that he could truly be strong and he expressed exactly that in 2 Corinthians 12:10, “…for when I am weak, then am I strong.”


So what should we take away from today’s thought?


· I need to confess not only to God but to those I have offended – not because they have the right of absolution but because GOD requires it in order to release HIS power upon my life.


· I am responsible to take the first step lest my “pigheadedness” hinders or quenches the Spirit of God.


· Following God’s instruction in asking forgiveness allows me to have a prayer life that avails much!


We may live in Porkopolis but let’s not be pigheaded about this matter of asking forgiveness and relying on God’s power in our lives to accomplish His purposes.