GRIT

How is it that I have not talked about GRIT before this?!  It either makes no sense … or I have at some time, and it is my memory that is lacking.  Whatever – the time has come (perhaps again).
 
It may be that the best way to define GRIT is to simply say “Detroit Lions”!  Even when they are behind it still feels like they should win.  One star gets taken off the field on a stretcher, the next guy up does more than one could ever expect … and the team keeps winning.  They believe in their coaches … they believe in themselves … they believe in their teammates … they expect to win every week.  Hopefully this coming season we will see more of the same … with a lot less injuries.
 
The word GRIT is also being associated with our Detroit Tigers these days.  We observed it up close in the Home Plate Club (thank you Kylie and John) on Tuesday night.  Skubal gives up a two-run homer in the top of the first, and the Tigers counter with their own two-run homer in the bottom of the first.  The Athletics come right back in the top of the second with another two-run shot against our ace, but the home team is not phased in the least.  They come back in the bottom of the third, and, instead of just tying up the game again, score five runs and the blow-out win is on its way.  The A’s never score again and the final score ends up at 11-4.  I call that a gritty win … on a hot and humid night … when the world’s best pitcher did not have his best stuff.
 
In a much less spectacular way I was feeling gritty earlier that same day as sweat poured down my body while mowing the lawn in the humid +90 degree weather.  Psychologist Angela Duckworth defines GRIT as “perseverance and passion for long-term goals.”  In the midst of challenges, set-backs, and opposition, a person with GRIT continues passionately and (seemingly) tirelessly toward the goal … thus the last two examples I gave are really just snap-shots in what must be a much longer story if it is true GRIT.
 
Our Lord Jesus is the ultimate example of GRIT.  From birth all the way through his crucifixion he labored on toward his goal – the salvation of humankind (The Son of Man came to seek and to save the lost – Luke 19.10) – with perseverance and passion.  An unknown writer states it this way: “Jesus, the founder and perfector of our faith, for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God.” (Hebrews 12.2)  And then, as he taught his disciples in his post-resurrection appearances, he continued to demonstrate true GRIT as he said, “Thus it is written, that the Christ should suffer and on the third day rise from the dead, and that repentance for the forgiveness of sins should be proclaimed in his name to all nations, beginning in Jerusalem.  You are witnesses of these things.  And behold, I am sending the promise of my Father upon you.” (Luke 24.46-49)
 
Could it possibly be that God’s goal is to mold all of us into gritty Christians?  I think this is exactly what Paul is talking about as he writes, “And we all … are being transformed into the same image.” (2 Corinthians 3.18)  We, as followers of Jesus, demonstrate true GRIT as we continue to gather together around Christ as he feeds us with his Word and Sacrament.  This same GRIT is needed as we “proclaim his name for the forgiveness of sins, beginning” in our local daily contexts.  And, as I said earlier, in the midst of challenges, set-backs, and opposition, a person with GRIT continues passionately and (seemingly) tirelessly toward the goal.
 
Lord Jesus, increase our GRIT as, by your Spirit, you continue to transform us by the renewing of our minds (Romans 12.2).  Make us to be gritty followers of you, Lord Jesus, “not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as we see the Day drawing near.” (Hebrews 10.25)  Give us perseverance and passion as you, through us, continue your mission of seeking and saving the lost (Luke 19.10).  “And let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season we will reap, if we do not give up, so that, as we have opportunity, we do good to everyone.” (Galatians 6.9-10)  This we pray, Lord Jesus, in your precious and powerful name.  Amen.
 
I wonder what would happen if each of us made this a part of our daily prayers …