In a world that often seems fallen and broken, the concept of grit—the strength of character that includes resilience, determination, and perseverance—becomes incredibly relevant. A world marked by chaos, uncertainty, and moral decline, the intersection of grit and Christianity becomes a beacon of hope. As believers, we face trials, temptations, and tribulations—yet our faith calls us to persevere, to stand firm in the face of adversity. In this article, we dig into the profound connection between grit and Christianity, exploring how these two forces intertwine to shape our character, purpose, and impact.
But why is grit important for Christians?
And how can we develop it in a fallen world that is full of sin, suffering, and temptation?
The Christian Perspective
Christianity, too, embodies grit. From the early martyrs who faced persecution to modern-day believers navigating a secular world, our faith demands resilience.
What Does the Bible Say About Grit?
The Bible is full of examples of people who demonstrated grit in their lives. They faced various challenges, such as persecution, famine, war, imprisonment, betrayal, and even death. But they did not give up on their faith, their calling, or their God. They endured hardship, trusted in God's promises, and finished their race.
Some of these people are:
- Abraham: He left his homeland and followed God's call to a land he did not know. He waited patiently for God to fulfill his promise of a son, even when he was old and barren. He was willing to sacrifice his son Isaac, trusting that God would provide a way out. (Genesis 12-22)
- Joseph: He was sold into slavery by his brothers, falsely accused by his master's wife, and forgotten in prison. But he remained faithful to God and used his gifts to serve others. He eventually became the second-in-command of Egypt and saved his family and many others from famine. (Genesis 37-50)
- Moses: He was raised in Pharaoh's palace, but chose to identify with his oppressed people, the Israelites. He fled from Egypt after killing an Egyptian, and spent 40 years in the wilderness as a shepherd. He obeyed God's call to confront Pharaoh and lead the Israelites out of slavery. He endured their complaints, rebellions, and unbelief for 40 more years in the wilderness, until he brought them to the edge of the promised land. (Exodus-Deuteronomy)
- David: He was anointed as king when he was a young shepherd, but had to wait for many years before he could claim his throne. He faced the jealousy and hostility of King Saul, who tried to kill him several times. He fought against the Philistines, the Amalekites, and other enemies. He committed adultery and murder, but repented and sought God's forgiveness. He faced a rebellion from his own son Absalom, but remained loyal to God and his covenant. (1 Samuel-2 Samuel)
- Daniel: He was taken captive to Babylon when he was a teenager, and served under four different kings. He refused to compromise his faith and worship idols, even when it meant being thrown into a lion's den. He prayed and studied God's word faithfully, and received visions and revelations about the future. He influenced many people for God, including kings and rulers. (Daniel)
- Paul: He was a zealous persecutor of the church, but was converted by a dramatic encounter with Jesus on the road to Damascus. He became a passionate preacher of the gospel, traveling to many places and planting many churches. He faced opposition, rejection, beatings, stoning, shipwrecks, imprisonment, and plots against his life. He wrote many letters to encourage, instruct, and correct the churches. He finished his course with joy, and kept the faith. (Acts, Romans-Philemon)
Perseverance in Prayer
Jesus Himself exemplified grit during His earthly ministry. In the Garden of Gethsemane, He prayed fervently, sweating drops of blood, yet surrendered to God’s will (Luke 22:42). Our prayers, too, require grit—to persistently seek God’s face, trusting that He hears and answers.
These are just a few of the many examples of grit in the Bible. They show us that grit is not a worldly concept, but a biblical one. They also show us that grit is not a human achievement, but a divine gift. They all depended on God's grace, power, and presence to sustain them and enable them to overcome.
Why Do Christians Need Grit?
Christians need grit because we live in a fallen world that is hostile to God and his people. Jesus warned us that we will face tribulation, persecution, and hatred in this world. (John 16:33, Matthew 10:22, John 15:18-19) He also told us that we will face temptations, trials, and difficulties in our Christian walk. (Luke 9:23, Matthew 7:13-14, James 1:2-4)
But he also promised us that he will be with us always, and that he has overcome the world. (Matthew 28:20, John 16:33)
He also assured us that he will give us his Holy Spirit, who will comfort, guide, and empower us. (John 14:16-17, 26, Acts 1:8)
He also gave us his word, which is a lamp to our feet and a light to our path. (Psalm 119:105, 2 Timothy 3:16-17) He also gave us his church, which is his body and his family, where we can find support, fellowship, and accountability. (Ephesians 4:15-16, Hebrews 10:24-25)
Therefore, as Christians we need grit to:
- Overcome the world: We need grit to resist the pressure and influence of the world, which is under the sway of the evil one. (1 John 5:19, James 4:4) We need grit to stand firm against the schemes and attacks of the devil, who is our adversary and accuser. (Ephesians 6:10-18, 1 Peter 5:8-9) We need grit to overcome the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life, which are the sources of all sin. (1 John 2:15-17, Galatians 5:16-17)
- Grow in faith: We need grit to grow in our knowledge and love of God, who is our Father and our Savior. (2 Peter 3:18, Ephesians 3:14-19) We need grit to trust in his promises, which are true and faithful. (Hebrews 11:1, 2 Corinthians 1:20) We need grit to obey his commands, which are good and perfect. (John 14:15, Romans 12:1-2) We need grit to follow his example, which is humble and holy. (1 Peter 2:21, 1 John 2:6)
- Fulfill our purpose: We need grit to discover and pursue our calling, which is God's plan and will for our lives. (Ephesians 2:10, Romans 8:28) We need grit to use our gifts and talents, which are God's endowment and stewardship for us. (1 Corinthians 12:4-7, Matthew 25:14-30) We need grit to serve others and share the gospel, which are God's mission and commission for us. (Mark 10:45, Matthew 28:18-20)
- Resisting Temptation: Grit empowers us to resist the allure of sin. When faced with temptation, we remember Christ’s example in the wilderness (Matthew 4:1-11). We cling to His Word, knowing that victory lies in our unwavering commitment to righteousness.
How to Develop Grit as a Christian?
Developing grit as a Christian is not only a matter of human effort, but also of divine grace. It is not something that we can achieve by ourselves, but something that God can produce in us as well. It is not a result of our works, but a fruit of the Spirit. (Galatians 5:22-23)
However, this does not mean that we are passive or lazy in developing grit. It means that we are active and diligent in cooperating with God and his work in us. It means that we are responsive and obedient to his word and his Spirit. It means that we are dependent and humble before his throne and his grace.
Let's see some practical ways to develop grit as a Christian:
- Pray:
Prayer is the lifeline of our relationship with God. It is the way we communicate with him, express our needs and desires, confess our sins and weaknesses, thank him for his blessings and mercies, praise him for his glory and majesty, and intercede for others and ourselves. Prayer is also the way we receive his grace and power, his wisdom and guidance, his peace and joy, and his love and presence. Prayer is the key to developing grit, because it connects us to the source of all strength and endurance. (Philippians 4:6-7, Ephesians 6:18, Colossians 4:2)
-Read:
Reading the Bible is the nourishment of our soul. It is the way we hear from God, learn his truth, understand his will, discover his promises, encounter his presence, and experience his transformation. Reading the Bible is also the way we renew our mind, align our heart, shape our character, equip our service, and fortify our faith. Reading the Bible is the foundation of developing grit, because it fills us with the word of God, which is living and powerful, sharper than any two-edged sword. (Hebrews 4:12, Psalm 119:11, 2 Timothy 3:16-17)
Applying the Bible is the practice of our faith. It is the way we live out what we believe, obey what we hear, and demonstrate what we love. Applying the Bible is also the way we grow in grace, mature in Christ, and bear fruit for God. Applying the Bible is the evidence of developing grit, because it shows us that we are not just hearers of the word, but doers of the word. (James 1:22-25, John 13:17, Matthew 7:24-27)
-Share:
Sharing the gospel is the mission of our life. It is the way we fulfill the great commission, make disciples of all nations, and spread the good news of Jesus Christ. Sharing the gospel is also the way we express our gratitude, testify of our salvation, and glorify our Lord. Sharing the gospel is the purpose of developing grit, because it enables us to overcome our fear, shame, and apathy, and to speak the truth in love. (Matthew 28:18-20, Acts 1:8, Romans 1:16-17)
-Connect:
Connecting with other Christians is the blessing of our community. It is the way we experience the fellowship of the Spirit, the love of the brethren, and the unity of the body. Connecting with other Christians is also the way we receive encouragement, support, and accountability, and give the same to others. Connecting with other Christians is the means of developing grit, because it reminds us that we are not alone, but part of a family that cares for us and helps us. (Hebrews 10:24-25, 1 John 1:7, Ephesians 4:15-16)
Rise with Grit
Grit is a vital quality for Christians who want to live a faithful and fruitful life in a fallen world. As the sun rises each day, so must our resolve. Let us embrace grit as a gift—a divine partnership between our humanity and God’s grace. In this fallen world, we stand firm, our hearts aflame with faith. So, dear reader, rise with grit. Let your life echo the resilience of the cross, and may your journey inspire others to do the same.
If you want to learn more about how to develop grit , I invite you to check out this book: [GROW YOUR GRIT: A Guide to developing Resilience and Achieving your Goals] It is a secular book, but it has many insights and examples that can inspire and challenge you as a Christian.
As you navigate life’s challenges, may your grit be a testament to the enduring grace of our Savior. GROW YOUR GRIT
