True Grit
My son recommended the book, “Old School Grit,” by Darrin Donnelly who is an author with roots in Kansas City. Bob Flanagan is the fictional coach who is finishing his last year before entering retirement. He decides to write letters for his grandchildren detailing rules that he believes will lead one to a successful life. He uses his coaching philosophies to give grandfatherly insight into what it takes, “Old School Grit.” As I read the book I noticed how his rules had a close parallel to what the scriptures teach us about life in general and true grit.
True Grit
I am choosing to dwell on one of his rules that shouted out to me but first it is necessary to define grit: one’s perseverance, one’s passion, one’s willpower to never break down or quit. John Wayne portrayed this type of attitude in his academy award performance in True Grit.
The “Golden Rule.”
We live in a what’s in it for me culture. Look out for number one was a popular slogan that perpetuates that ideal. Coach Flanagan wrote that one needs to stop focusing on oneself and begin focusing on others. This triggered some thoughts that rapidly came to my mind. Philippians 2:3-4 (NASB) “Do nothing from selfishness or empty conceit, but with humility of mind regard one another as more important than yourselves; do not merely look out for your own personal interests, but also for the interests of others” and Luke 6:31 (ESV) “And as you wish that others would do to you, do so to them.” We know this as the “Golden Rule.” In the 5th chapter of his letter the Apostle James encourages us to pray for one another (James 5:16).
I could start applying this by praying for someone else’s needs. During this time of crisis in this pandemic we face I awoke at 3:00 am and was not able to go back to sleep. I decided to pray not only for my family but for my church family as well.
When I have the opportunity to face our congregation most Sundays and being creatures of habit, the people usually sit in the same place. I was able to lift each individual up by name and those names I didn’t remember I could actually visualize them and still offer a short prayer for them. Although I may not know what they need our Lord does. I was amazed that my prayers then extended to many who I had not thought of in years.
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What Can I Do For Someone Else?
I can begin thinking about what I can do for someone else without a thought of getting something in return. This sacrificial work pleases God. Hebrews 13:16 (NASB) “And do not neglect doing good and sharing, for with such sacrifices God is pleased.” I need to become more aware of congratulating someone on their success. I Thessalonians 5:11 (NASB) “Therefore encourage one another and build up one another.” Barnabas is a great example to follow.
President John F. Kennedy at his inauguration speech said, ”Ask not what your country can do for you, ask what you can do for your country.” This would be a great attitude and act for each of us during this time of trial in our nation and the world. How can I be an encouragement to others if my thoughts are constantly on my well-being? What can I do for others?
We all have a choice in the attitude we display each and every day. We can display the grit, the passion, the never give up attitude or we can throw in the towel and quit. I believe the Lord wants us to do things that are honoring Him. Matthew 5:16 (NASB) “Let your light shine before men in such a way that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father who is in heaven.” That is our take. That is true grit.
Chasing Sunsets – Pastor Clay’s Devotions
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