Why
Determination Needs Discernment
We live in a world that celebrates
hustle and persistence. “Never give up” is the mantra of the moment. But in the
kingdom of God, not all perseverance is holy. Some of it is just plain stubbornness—a
refusal to listen, yield, or grow.
So how do we tell the difference?
How do we know when we are walking in holy grit—and when we are just
being hard-headed?
This is a critical question for
believers who want to grow in spiritual maturity. Because grit without grace is
not strength—it is spiritual pride.
What
Is Grit?
Holy grit is Spirit-empowered perseverance. It is the ability to
stay the course when life gets messy, painful, or unclear. It is the endurance
to keep showing up with faith—even when the outcome is not guaranteed.
Grit says:
- “I trust God’s timing.”
- “I will keep doing good, even when it is hard.”
- “I am standing on the Word, not my emotions.”
It is rooted in humility.
It makes room for God to move.
It aligns with His will, not just our desires.
What
Is Stubbornness?
Stubbornness, on the other hand, is about control. It is digging in
your heels—not in God’s truth, but in your own preference. It is often masked
as “being strong,” but it refuses feedback, resists correction, and ignores red
flags.
Stubbornness says:
- “I know best.”
- “I am not backing down—even if I am wrong.”
- “This is just how I am.”
It is pride dressed up as
perseverance.
Grit
Listens. Stubbornness Shuts Down.
One of the biggest differences between
the two is teachability.
Holy grit welcomes counsel. It
discerns the voice of God even when the answer is “wait,” “stop,” or “go a
different way.”
Stubbornness filters everything
through self. It closes its ears and hardens its heart.
Remember Pharaoh in Exodus? He was
persistent—but it was not holy. It was rebellious.
Now contrast that with Job. Job endured, but he also listened. He wrestled,
cried, humbled himself, and waited on God.
Grit
Waits on God. Stubbornness Pushes Past Him.
Holy grit knows when to pause. It is
willing to pray, fast, listen, and surrender—even if that means changing
direction.
Stubbornness rushes ahead. It treats silence as rejection and views slowness as
failure.
But some of the most powerful moments
in Scripture happened in the waiting:
- David being trained in caves before the crown.
- Joseph serving in prison before the palace.
- Jesus waiting 30 years before preaching His first
sermon.
Grit waits in trust.
Stubbornness refuses to wait at all.
How
to Know Which One Is Leading You
Ask yourself:
- Am I still seeking God about this—or just
defending my position?
- Have I invited wise counsel and prayer—or shut
everyone out?
- Am I moving in obedience—or just out of
frustration and fear?
Holy grit invites God in. Stubbornness
keeps Him at arm’s length.
What
the Bible Says
“The way of fools seems right to them,
but the wise listen to advice.”
— Proverbs 12:15 (CEV)
“Be strong in the Lord and in the
power of His might.”
— Ephesians 6:10
“Let us not become weary in doing
good...”
— Galatians 6:9
These verses show the difference.
Strength is from the Lord, not our ego. Grit is for doing good,
not proving a point. Wisdom is in the willingness to listen, not in
never changing your mind.
Final
Word: Choose Grit, Not Pride
There will be times when faith
requires stubborn resolve—but that stubbornness must be surrendered to
the Holy Spirit.
Holy grit walks with God, not ahead of
Him. It does not get stuck in self. It
stretches toward obedience.
Let us be people who persist with
purpose, endure with grace, and rise not because we are stubborn—but because we
are rooted.