Grace and Grit

I couldn't believe my eyes when I first saw the ad. I found it in a past issue of U.S. News & World Report. GRACE AND GRIT. What really surprised me was that this slick, two-page spread was NOT an ad, as one might assume, for some beautiful but durable, designer-label outer-wear on sale at one of those "pricey" stores on Rodeo Drive in Beverly Hills. Rather, those were the words used by the marketing gurus at GOODYEAR to describe the Wrangler GS-A "Triple Traction" Tire: GRACE AND GRIT. There, at the top of the page, in big, black, bold print, were the words (A tire with GRACE? They've got to be kidding!).

But, you know, as I read them, I couldn't also help but think that those words apply to the Christian life as well: GRACE AND GRIT. It’s all about His amazing GRACE (His favor) enjoyed, and my true GRIT (spiritual fortitude) displayed.

For example, it says in the Bible, "But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us" (Romans 5:8). That's GRACE. And that was what I enjoyed some 50 years ago this past autumn when I first believed in Jesus Christ for everlasting life. But the Bible also says, in Philippians 2:12, that, as a Christian, I am supposed to continue to "work out (my) own salvation." And that calls for GRIT to be displayed!

It also says, in Proverbs 18:22, that "He who finds a wife finds what is good and receives favor from the LORD." That is also GRACE. And that was what I enjoyed exactly 29 years ago next month (June 23, 1979) when I married Win. But now, as her partner, I am told in God's Word, "Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her" (Ephesians 5:25). And that, too, calls for GRIT to be displayed.

Next, in Psalm 127:3 it says that "sons are a heritage from the LORD, children a reward from him." That's GRACE, too. And that was what I enjoyed on February 10, 1984 and, once again, on September 7, 1986 when my sons Jim and T.J. were born. But, in Ephesians 6:4, we fathers are admonished, "Do not exasperate your children; instead, bring them up in the training and instruction of the Lord." And that, too, calls for GRIT to be displayed.

Finally, I agree with the Apostle Paul when he said, in Ephesians 3:7, "I became a servant of this gospel by the gift of God's grace given me." To be chosen by the Lord to be a steward of His Word - why, that's also GRACE. And that is what I enjoyed 27 years ago this June when I was ordained to the gospel ministry. But, then I am also reminded by God that the Apostle Paul admonished his young disciple and pastoral protégé, Timothy, "train yourself to be godly" (1 Timothy 4:7). And, yes, that also calls for GRIT to be displayed.

GRACE AND GRIT. It may sound funny to use those words to describe a Goodyear tire. But I must admit, the slogan seems so apropos for the Christian. He saved me by His GRACE (Ephesians 2:8-9). Now I serve Him with true GRIT (Ephesians 2:10) - as a person, partner, parent, pastor. I guess you could say that when it comes to living the Christian life, "that's where the rubber meets the road!"

Today I am enjoying His GRACE and displaying true GRIT!