Do you have GRIT?

Do you have GRIT?

April 12, 2014 at 8:55am

Grit;
the character trait of those who are determined to work hard enough, long enough. Having passion & stamina, doing what it takes to follow through with commitments & accomplish goals, including very long term goals.
Grit is motivated by a desire to persevere, sticking with it, day-in-day-out, for years.

"Grit is the tendency to sustain interest in and effort toward very long-term goals...Grit equips individuals to pursue especially challenging aims over years and even decades."(https://sites.sas.upenn.edu/duckworth/pages/research-statement)

In terms of 'success', it has been found that grit can be more important than natural gifts, such as intelligence, education, charisma & talent. Grittier people tend to be more effective than their more gifted & talented peers. In fact, grit is unrelated, or INVERSELY related, to talent! It is believed that talented people are less gritty because they are used to a measure of approval & 'success', & have been less challenged by failure. Individuals without grit are those who believe that frustration and confusion are signs that they should quit, & they do! People with grit have an overcomer mindset. They are self-motivated & conscientious. They realize that it takes real sustained effort to grow. And, they also understand that failure is a part of growing. People with grit endure to the end. They see their life, & ministry, as a marathon, not a sprint. Christians with grit see Jesus' glory & the good of others as their goal. They realize that sanctification will come through the trials & challenges of their spiritual walk in obedience to the two greatest commandments & the Great Commission.

What about you? 

You might be 'gifted', but do you have grit?
Do you possess true grit, laboring for the glory of God & the good of your neighbors?
Do you make and KEEP noble commitments? Or is your life filled with inconsequential activities?
Are you determined to follow through with the task(s) Jesus has laid before you?

Grit is directly related to ENDURANCE.

Jesus said:
"The one who endures to the end will be saved."
(Matthew 24:13;Mark 13:13)

"Behold, we count them happy who endure." 
~ James 5:11

If you do not have grit, ask the Lord to show you how to improve your character & stick with the holy endeavors He has given you to labor in. Christ will help you!