You showed up –no- you shut up!
Jesus is GRIT! Not only does this book define the Christian life, but it perfectly summarises Jesus. Before discussing Jesus, I will highlight the central premise of Grit: The Power of Passion and Perseverance, [1] before drawing an analogy with a movie, Jesus and my family.
Angela Duckworth’s work on grit is absorbing and, in my estimation, accurate. She explores the idea that success is less about talent and more about grit, a combination of passion and sustained persistence which, over time, ultimately begins with the ability to keep “showing up,”[2] no matter the circumstance. The book challenges the assumption that innate ability, intelligence, or luck are the primary drivers of achievement, suggesting that grit plays a more significant role in determining long-term success. The central premise of the book is that anyone can cultivate grit. Drawing from her experiences as a teacher, psychologist, and researcher, Duckworth explains that the most successful individuals in fields like education, business, sports, and the arts are not necessarily the most naturally gifted. Instead, they are the ones who show the most grit, continuously pursuing their goals despite challenges and setbacks. This realisation led the author to conclude that grit is a stronger predictor of success than intelligence or talent. Using the research of Carol Dweck,[3] Duckworth says that individuals with a growth mindset are more likely to exhibit grit because they believe in the power of improvement through effort.[4]
While critics of the GRIT may say it overemphasises perseverance, oversimplifies complex success factors and neglects socioeconomic and structural influences, there is overwhelming support for the content. Daniel H. Pink’s Drive[5] stresses intrinsic motivation, highlighting autonomy, mastery, and purpose as essential for sustaining passion, concepts that complement the idea of grit. Similarly, Daniel Coyle’s The Talent Code[6] illustrates how talent is developed through practice and resilience. When considered alongside James Clear’s Atomic Habits[7] or Malcolm Gladwell’s Outliers,[8] these works together build a comprehensive framework that reinforces Duckworth’s insights on grit.
Sophia’s family is from Chile, and they moved to Australia just a month before she was born. My parents are from the valleys of South Wales in the UK. I was born in Manchester, England, and when I was two, my family emigrated to Australia. Sophia and I got married in December 1995, and in April 1996, we relocated to England to start our ministry life together. Around that time, the movie Fools Rush In[9], starring Salma Hayek and the late Matthew Perry, came out. If there was ever a film that mirrored our marriage journey, it was this one—a story about a Latin girl and a Western boy coming together. We laughed until it hurt and have watched it countless times since. There’s a memorable scene where Perry’s character says to his Latin wife, “You showed up,” but she mishears and shouts back, “You shut up,” in her accent. He patiently clarifies, “No, I said ‘you showed up.’” That line has always stayed with me, reminding me of the simple yet profound power of just “showing up.”
The gospel is news like no other. It is about God who showed up. In essence, God was always showing up in the Old Testament scriptures. Still, the birth of the Messiah and subsequent sending of the Holy Spirit was about God showing up, not intermittently, but continually. The Incarnation is undoubtedly the most compelling moment in time. God showed up!
One of the bible verses about Jesus that has always had a profound impact on my life is Luke 9:51. “Turning his face towards Jerusalem, Jesus set his face like a flint.” If ever there was a verse to define grit in a person, this is it. Jesus knew that from this moment, every step was taking him closer to Jerusalem and the impending crucifixion. Some translations of Luke 9:51 say, “Jesus steeled himself.” What can this mean other than grit? He needed grit to knowingly and willingly walk to Golgotha.
Duckworth breaks down the concept of grit into two core components: passion and perseverance. Firstly, passion is a deep, enduring interest in a goal or subject over the long term.[10] It is not a fleeting enthusiasm but a consistent and focused interest that fuels perseverance. Is this not what Jesus did in coming to save us? The Bible says, “Jesus who for the joy set before Him endured the cross” (Hebrews 12:2). His joy for us and eternal life He would win for us took Him to the cross.
Secondly, perseverance is the ability to keep pushing forward despite setbacks, obstacles, or failures. It involves staying focused, disciplined, and determined to continue working toward goals, even when faced with challenges. This perfectly summarises everything between Luke 9:51 and the resurrection in Luke 24. Indeed, Duckworth reminds us that passion, in Latin, is Pati, meaning to “suffer.”[11] Jesus had grit.
In The Apostle Paul’s encouragement for us to “be like Christ” (Philippians 2:5) and in keeping with Duckworth’s book, the author suggests that we can all grow in Grit, both from the Inside Out[12] and the Outside in.[13] Indeed, the book is a formidable reminder that to be like Jesus is to emulate grit, a challenge for many in a Western context, but aptly describes Christian brothers and sisters who are persecuted in the world today.[14]
I have been blessed with wonderful parents and a mother-in-law. In Bible seminary nearly 30 years ago, I worked a job cleaning floors in a supermarket from 2 am to 5 am every day. In fact, for three years, I lived on 3-4 hours of sleep a night, apart from Saturdays when I would sleep long. One day, my dad sneaked into my seminary room at 3 a.m. (while I was working to pay my fees) and wrote, “Keep on Keeping on.” In reflection, He was encouraging me to have Grit. When I married Sophia, my mother-in-law shared three rules for a successful life: show up, do your best, and walk away. These principles became a blessing and have shaped my life for 29 years. Showing up is Grit
[1] Duckworth, Angela. 2016. Grit: The Power of Passion and Perseverance. Illustrated edition. New York London Toronto Sydney New Delhi: Scribner Book Company.
[2] Ibid, 3-18.
[3] Ibid, 214-18 and Dweck, Dr Carol. 2017. Mindset: How You Can Fulfil Your Potential. London: Robinson. Ch 1.
[4] Duckworth, 42-62.
[5] Pink, Daniel H. 2018. Drive: The Surprising Truth About What Motivates Us. Main edition. Canongate Books.
[6] Coyle, Daniel. 2020. The Talent Code: Greatness Isn’t Born. It’s Grown. 1st edition. London: Random House Business.
[7] Clear, James. 2018. Atomic Habits: The Life-Changing Million-Copy #1 Bestseller. 1st edition. London: Random House Business.
[8] Gladwell, Malcolm. 2009. Outliers: The Story of Success. Re-Issue edition. London: Penguin.
[9] Fools Rush in, directed by Andy Tennant (Columbia Pictures, 1997).
[10] Ibid, 67-72.
[11]Ibid, 338.
[12] Ibid, Ch 6-9.
[13] Ibid, Ch 10-11.
[14] A list of ministries that support persecuted Christians can be found here, https://www.stewardship.org.uk/blogs/help-persecuted-christians.
About the Author
Glyn Barrett
I am the founding, Lead Pastor of !Audacious Church in Manchester, England. I was born in Manchester, but moved to Australia at the age of two. My wife and I were married in Australia and began married and ministry life in England 28 years ago. After serving as youth pastors for 12 years, we moved to Manchester to pioneer !Audacious Church. As a church we now have 7 locations. 3 in Manchester, Chester, Cardiff (Wales), Sheffield, and Geneva (Switzerland). In 2019 I became the National Leader of Assemblies of God in Great Britain. We have over 600 churches in our movement and have planted 88 new churches since May 2022 with a goal of planting 400 new churches between May 2022 and May 2028. I am the European Lead for MM33, which is the church planting ministry for Assemblies of God Global and also chair Empowered21 Europe. I'm happily married to Sophia, with two children, one dog and two motorbikes. I love Golf, coffee and spending time with friends. I love to laugh, make friends and create memories!8 responses to “You showed up –no- you shut up!”
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Glyn, I loved your post. I once preached a series from Hebrews called Grit: Look up and press on. The writer often calls the readers to keep eyes fixed on Jesus, consider Jesus, look at Jesus etc. I remember preaching that He is not only the example but also the source of our passion and perseverance. Our soul’s gaze on Jesus becomes the discipline that produces grit. As you disciple people in your context, what challenges to they face in their relationship with God and what disciplines are helpful to produce passion and perseverance in their lives?
Great sermon title Graham. In discipling people, I’ve noticed that one of the major challenges is the busyness and distraction of modern life. It’s not just the pace but the pull of constant connectivity and the endless options available for attention and engagement. Another challenge is the emotional and spiritual weight of disappointment or unfulfilled expectations. People can become weary when prayers seem unanswered or when the reality of life doesn’t match their hopes. This fatigue impacts their passion and, ultimately, their perseverance in faith.
Here are some helpful disciplines:
1. Rhythms of Sabbath Rest: Encouraging intentional rest and stillness to disconnect from the noise and reconnect with God. The discipline of Sabbath isn’t just about rest but also about trust, helping people remember that God’s work continues even when we stop.
2. Fixed Times of Prayer and Meditation: Carving out consistent times each day to focus on Jesus, not just in petition but in listening and meditative prayer.
3. Gratitude Journaling: Writing down moments of God’s faithfulness cultivates a spirit of thankfulness and shifts perspective, especially in seasons of hardship. Gratitude has a way of rekindling passion as we remember God’s past work in our lives.
4. The Power of Community and Accountability: Perseverance is often a communal journey. Small groups where people can share openly, pray for each other, and hold one another accountable foster an environment where grit can grow. Being in the presence of others who are also “pressing on” strengthens resolve.
Glyn,
Spoken like a pastor. You are right. Jesus had grit. Likewise we are told to pick up our cross and to follow him. A following that will require grit. So, does the Holy Spirit give us more grit? Do Christians have more grit than others as they truly follow Jesus? It would be interesting to think through this book from a more theological perspective.
Ooooh, yes, let’s talk theology. Theologically, the Holy Spirit does empower believers with greater grit, as divine strength is foundational for our perseverance. Christians can access supernatural endurance rooted in God’s purpose and the hope of Christ. While non-believers display resilience, a Christian’s grit is uniquely Spirit-infused, shaped by the call to take up our cross and follow Jesus. The Spirit transforms our endurance, grounding it in grace, purpose, and eternal hope, making our perseverance a mark of divine empowerment. Isaiah 41:10, says, “So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.”
Hi Glyn, thank you for sharing your personal experience.
in your Pastoral experience, how does Hebrews 12:2 exemplify the concept of passion as defined by Duckworth, and how can this understanding inspire Christians to deepen their own spiritual commitment?
Hi Shela. Hebrews 12:2 illustrates passion as defined by Angela Duckworth—“a deep, enduring commitment to something” —by showing Jesus’ unwavering focus on “the joy set before him,” enduring the cross with love and purpose. His passion wasn’t fleeting but firmly found in a redemptive mission. This inspires Christians to develop a similar commitment, fixing their eyes on Jesus and embracing God’s call with enduring devotion. His example empowers us to persevere, driven by a purpose that transcends temporary struggles, with our eyes firmly fixed on Him and eternity.
I love this Glyn! I also love the fact that I’ve read all those books you mention at the top, though it was years ago. I think I still have most of them on my shelf. and I also watched the trailer for “Where Fools Rush In”; putting it on my list! Lol!
When you think of the times in your life when you’ve had to have the most grit, what have you focused on or what has helped you most?
Hi Debbie. I havent watched the movie for so long, I hope it is as good as my memory recalls 🙂
The times in my life that have required the most grit were always anchored in my focus on Jesus. His example of steadfast love and unwavering commitment gave me strength. My family has been my greatest earthly support, especially my wife, Sophia, whose encouragement and partnership have fueled my perseverance. Lastly, the conviction of God’s call on my life has driven me forward. Knowing that God’s purpose is greater than any challenge has sustained me through every trial, and there have been many!