True Christians Have True Grit
Did you hear about the 3-legged dog who walks into a saloon in the Old West? He sidles up to the bar and says: "I'm looking for the man who shot my paw."
And such is the set up for True Grit, except it's a girl, not a dog…and she's looking for the guy who shot her Pa…(just in case you didn't get the joke).
Annnyway, folks 'round here think that True Grit is the movie to see, and besides - who wouldn't pay cash to see an actor who was trapped in a video game for 30 years get gussied up in his best cowboy gear and pump some folks full of lead?
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And don't worry, this movie doesn't require a completely engaged IQ and attention span like Inception. Other than the fact that Jeff Bridges needs a translator who speaks Mumble Mumble, this flick is essentially a revenge story that shows that true 'grit' can be found in the least likely of people.
Have you ever thought about what might drive a 14 year old girl to leave her comfort zone and take on a personal mission to track down her father's killer even though it might end up getting her killed? In other words, what helped her discover her grit - defined as "firmness of mind or spirit : unyielding courage in the face of hardship or danger."*
I think it was the love she had for her father and the deep passion for justice. Those two elements combined enabled her to overcome all fear of danger and peril and accomplish the mission she was destined to fulfill.
This story reminds me of a whole group of people who lived quite a while back who definitely demonstrated true grit as well. See if you agree:
What else can I say? There isn't enough time to tell about Gideon, Barak, Samson, Jephthah, David, Samuel, and the prophets. Their faith helped them conquer kingdoms, and because they did right, God made promises to them. They closed the jaws of lions and put out raging fires and escaped from the swords of their enemies. Although they were weak, they were given the strength and power to chase foreign armies away.
Some women received their loved ones back from death. Many of these people were tortured, but they refused to be released. They were sure that they would get a better reward when the dead are raised to life. Others were made fun of and beaten with whips, and some were chained in jail. Still others were stoned to death or sawed in two or killed with swords. Some had nothing but sheep skins or goat skins to wear. They were poor, mistreated, and tortured. The world did not deserve these good people, who had to wander in deserts and on mountains and had to live in caves and holes in the ground. All of them pleased God because of their faith! (Hebrews 11:32-39).
If you think being a Christian is difficult in this day and age, take some encouragement from those who walked with Christ before us and experienced trials we cannot even begin to fathom.
But…don't leave the testimony of these heroes of the faith on the pages of the Bible. They were ordinary men and women like us, but through their love for the Father and their faith in His perfect plan, they became the most "true grit" people who ever lived. The reason God left the record of their calling with us is to get us off the couch and full on into His Kingdom work!
Make no mistake, you have some true grit waiting to bust out of your soul like a wild horse set free. The God who spoke the universe into existence and knit you together in your mother's womb also has placed a calling on your life and equipped you with a purpose and mission. It's called THE Cause, and it is the solemn and staggering responsibility to be the very hands and feet of Jesus everywhere you go and to everyone you know.
Yes, it could be dangerous and laced with rejection, but I promise there are no dull moments in life when you let the light of God's love and the gospel disperse and dismiss the darkness that you already know surrounds you like thick clouds.
A crime has been committed. Satan holds your friends in a prison of loneliness, depression, hurt, and hopelessness. But the prison door has been opened by the death and resurrection of Jesus from the grave! All you have to do is invite them out by telling them the greatest message of freedom in the universe…
Are you a true Christian with true grit???
Flashpoint: Ignite Into Action
Think about the opportunities you have each day to step out in faith and courage to help reach your friends with the gospel. Pray for opportunities to show your true grit and I guarantee God will send answers to your requests!
Accelerant: Feed the Fire
Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the LORD your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you (Deuteronomy 31:6).
Since, then, we know what it is to fear the Lord, we try to persuade others. What we are is plain to God, and I hope it is also plain to your conscience (2 Corinthians 5:11).
Pray also for me, that whenever I speak, words may be given me so that I will fearlessly make known the mystery of the gospel (Ephesians 6:19).
*Source: www.webster.com.
