G.R.I.T: Pt. 1 Growth

G.R.I.T

The role grit plays in success has become a topic du jour, spearheaded by Angela Duckworth, who was catapulted to the forefront of the field after delivering a TED talk which has since been viewed well over a  million times. Additionally, in the last month, Duckworth received a $650,000 MacArthur fellowship, otherwise known as the “Genius Grant,” to continue her work. And, while Duckworth has made tremendous leaps in the field, she stands on the shoulders of giants including William James, K.E Ericson, and Aristotle, who believed tenacity was one of the most valued virtues.

According to the Merriam-Webster dictionary, grit in the context of behavior is defined as “firmness of character; indomitable spirit.” Duckworth, based on her studies, tweaked this definition to be “perseverance and passion for long-term goals.” While I recognize that she is the expert, I questioned her modification…in particular the “long-term goals” part.

Source

M. M. Perlis, “5 Characteristics Of Grit -- How Many Do You Have?,” Forbes, 01-Jun-2015. [Online]. Available: https://www.forbes.com/sites/margaretperlis/2013/10/29/5-characteristics-of-grit-what-it-is-why-you-need-it-and-do-you-have-it/#37e816694f7b. [Accessed: 22-Dec-2018]

(NIV)

9The Lord God made all kinds of trees grow out of the ground—trees that were pleasing to the eye and good for food. In the middle of the garden were the tree of life and the tree of the knowledge of good and evil.

(NIV)

12The righteous will flourish like a palm tree, they will grow like a cedar of Lebanon;

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12Isaac planted crops in that land and the same year reaped a hundredfold, because the Lord blessed him.

13The man became rich, and his wealth continued to grow until he became very wealthy.

14He had so many flocks and herds and servants that the Philistines envied him.

Solomon was blessed by God because it is implied that he took the initiative and embraced learning!

Solomon was blessed by God because it is implied that he took the initiative and embraced learning!

(The Message)

30Solomon’s wisdom outclassed the vaunted wisdom of wise men of the East, outshone the famous wisdom of Egypt.

31He was wiser than anyone—wiser than Ethan the Ezrahite, wiser than Heman, wiser than Calcol and Darda the sons of Mahol. He became famous among all the surrounding nations.

32He created 3,000 proverbs; his songs added up to 1,005.

33He knew all about plants, from the huge cedar that grows in Lebanon to the tiny hyssop that grows in the cracks of a wall. He understood everything about animals and birds, reptiles and fish.

34Sent by kings from all over the earth who had heard of his reputation, people came from far and near to listen to the wisdom of Solomon.

God is a God of Growth. His desired is that we evolve more and more into what He is calling us to!

We must participate in the process first,

1. By determining what it is God has placed in your heart to become.

2. We have to sow seeds into our lives

(NIV)

11Can papyrus grow tall where there is no marsh? Can reeds thrive without water?

Reading books, taking classes, being around people who are doing what you are trying to achieve.

There is a universal truth, If something is not growing it is dying!

Do Not Despise Small Beginnings

9Nevertheless, the righteous will hold to their ways, and those with clean hands will grow stronger.

(NIV)

32Though it is the smallest of all seeds, yet when it grows, it is the largest of garden plants and becomes a tree, so that the birds come and perch in its branches.”

A small seed, when nurtured properly will grow tall!

Research the phrase, “…in every respect...”

(NIV)

15Instead, speaking the truth in love, we will grow to become in every respect the mature body of him who is the head, that is, Christ.

16From him the whole body, joined and held together by every supporting ligament, grows and builds itself up in love, as each part does its work.

(NIV)

9Nevertheless, the righteous will hold to their ways, and those with clean hands will grow stronger.

Confess this:

(The Message)

8And I’m an olive tree, growing green in God’s house. I trusted in the generous mercy of God then and now.

(NIV)

10so that you may live a life worthy of the Lord and please him in every way: bearing fruit in every good work, growing in the knowledge of God,

(The Message)

9God, your God, will outdo himself in making things go well for you: you’ll have babies, get calves, grow crops, and enjoy an all-around good life. Yes, God will start enjoying you again, making things go well for you just as he enjoyed doing it for your ancestors.

We are also to grow Spiritually

(NIV)

But grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To him be glory both now and forever! Amen.

(NIV)

2Like newborn babies, crave pure spiritual milk, so that by it you may grow up in your salvation,

We’ll know what you’ve been sowing into your life by your fruit!

(The Message)

33“If you grow a healthy tree, you’ll pick healthy fruit. If you grow a diseased tree, you’ll pick worm-eaten fruit. The fruit tells you about the tree.

2Like newborn babies, crave pure spiritual milk, so that by it you may grow up in your salvation,