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!

My Claim to Fame

Because my last name is "LOMBARDI," when people are introduced to me for the first time, they sometimes ask, "Are you any relation to Vince?" (As in Vince Lombardi, the legendary football coach). Now, as far as I know, I'm NOT related to him. But, not too long ago somebody asked me once again, "Are you related to Vince?" When I answered, "No, I'm not," he then made a remark that no one has ever made to me before. He said, "Well, then, I guess you'll need to make your own claim to fame."

Now I know that there is a sense in which he was just "kidding," - but that remark prompted me to do some really serious, heavy-duty thinking. Vince Lombardi's claim to fame was football. So, what will Joe Lombardi's claim to fame be?

Well, after spending the past few days mulling that question in my mind, I've come to the conclusion that I don't necessarily need or even want my own "claim to fame." The main reason why is that I realize now that my personal identity and my eventual destiny are both inextricably linked to the fact that I belong to Jesus Christ. In the words to my favorite Andrae Crouch song: "All that I am and ever hope to be - I owe it all to Thee. TO GOD BE THE GLORY."

The Psalmist expressed it like this, "Not to us, O LORD, not to us but to YOUR NAME be the glory, because of your love and faithfulness" (Psalm 115:1).

Similarly, the Apostle Paul exclaimed, "May I never boast except in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ" (Galatians 6:14).

So, in the words to the title of an old gospel song, I am really "only a sinner, saved by grace." I am justified. That is what I am. Some day I will be glorified. That is what I hope to be. And I certainly cannot take any credit for either one! My Lord God alone is worthy to receive glory for that (Revelation 4:11).

Therefore, I have come to realize that the primary purpose of my life is to advance and enhance HIS reputation in this world. And my passion and my mission as a Christian is to promote HIS "claim to fame."

So, "whether (I) eat or drink or whatever (I) do, (I am to) to it all for the glory of God" (1 Corinthians 10:31). For you see, I am, first and foremost, a CHRISTian. I have the incredible privilege and awesome responsibility of bearing HIS name. Therefore, my desire, as I serve Him in the pastorate, is that I will "live a life worthy of the Lord" (Colossians 1:10) and "worthy of the calling (I) have received" (Ephesians 4:1). And my prayer is that I will never do anything that will bring shame to HIS Name, but that, like Phinehas of old, I, too, will be "zealous for the honor of His name" (Numbers 25:13).

And, by the way, when the people in our city here in Oregon’s lush Willamette Valley learn that I wear and bear the name of CHRIST ("Christian"), I trust that they won't even have to ask, "Oh, are you related to HIM?" Rather, I hope that they will be able to take one look at me and say, "Sure, he must be related to Him because (in the words to the title to an Amy Grant song) he's got 'his Father's eyes!'" Now, that would be some claim to fame! (No kidding!).

So, I remain devoted to the cause of Jesus Christ, and to advancing and enhancing HIS reputation in this world!