What characteristic is the most significant predictor of worldly success? Intelligence, talent, attractiveness? Years of social science research has shown it isn’t any of those. The most reliable predictor is grit. Grit is also one of the most important character traits for spiritual formation. If you want to become like Jesus, you need to develop godly grit.

The Bible’s terms for grit are steadfastness and endurance. Steadfastness is the determination, as Paul says, to “stand firm” and refusing to let anything move you from your goal (1 Cor. 15:58). It is the resolve to keep working for the Lord no matter what trials may come. Endurance is the determination to keep moving toward your goal despite external challenges and internal weariness (Luke 21:19). Godly grit is a trait, empowered by God’s grace, that we acquire through standing firm in the face of challenges and adversity. Developing godly grit helps us to develop gritty hope.

In his latest book, Hope in Times of Fear: The Resurrection and the Meaning of Easter, Tim Keller says, “The Bible’s teaching is that the road to the best things is not through the good things but usually through the hard things.” Last week Matt Smethurst interviewed Keller and talked to him about gritty hope and how this difficult message subverts the world’s values.