True Grit
Grit, Stewardship, and Investing
What if I told you that grit isn’t just about working hard—it’s also about stewardship and wise investing? The Bible teaches us that success isn’t just about talent or intelligence, but about consistent, disciplined effort over time.
In Ecclesiastes 11:2, we are told, “Invest in seven ventures, yes, in eight; you do not know what disaster may come upon the land. “This verse isn’t just about money—it’s about a mindset. A mindset of preparation, perseverance, and faithfulness in managing what God has given us.
Stewardship requires grit—the persistence to plan, invest, and endure challenges. The Bible encourages us to be diligent and forward-thinking because success often comes from consistent effort, not quick results. Grit in stewardship means not putting all your resources in one place but staying committed to wise decision-making, even when outcomes are uncertain. Investing in multiple ventures—whether financially, in relationships, or in personal growth—requires patience and perseverance.
Angela Duckworth defines grit as “passion and sustained persistence applied toward long-term achievement. “That applies directly to biblical stewardship. It’s about staying the course, managing wisely, and pressing on even when obstacles arise.
Why does grit matter in investing and stewardship? Because setbacks will come. Economic downturns, failed ventures, and unexpected hardships are inevitable. People with grit don’t quit when things get tough—they adapt, learn, and keep going.
The biggest difference between those who succeed in stewardship and those who don’t isn’t intelligence—it’s commitment. IQ might give you insight, but only perseverance turns insight into wisdom and wisdom into lasting success. Jesus brother James writes: “Blessed is the man who remains steadfast under trial, for when he has stood the test he will receive the crown of life, which God has promised to those who love him. “James 1:12 (ESV) This highlights the reward of staying strong and pushing through difficulties.
When we enter the world of redemptive, missional investing we frequently need to make investments in locations where others are unwilling to invest. They may be places with a population of mostly unskilled workers due to “brain drain” where those who are lucky enough to gain education move to more prosperous locations. There may be poor infrastructure with limited electricity making it difficult to plan for consistent manufacturing do to poor power grid or other infrastructure. There may be high corruption, bribery or exploitation in the community or culture. As investors who seek redemptive outcomes in these environments we will probably need more grit than an investor who is only seeking financial return in the safest places. I believe that God calls us to deploy His resources to accomplish great commission and great commandment outcomes even when it may mean sacrifice to us.
Grit in investing means staying faithful even when results are slow. It means consistently making wise decisions and trusting the process, just like a farmer who plants seeds and waits for the harvest. Galatians 6:9 reminds us, “Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.”
So, whether you're investing in businesses that create jobs to reduce poverty or, building a business to provide safe drinking water, or capitalizing a for profit school in a frontier market country, remember: grit and stewardship go hand in hand. Stay committed. Diversify your efforts. Trust God’s timing. And above all, keep going, even when challenges arise—because the greatest rewards come to those who endure with faith and perseverance.
Are you showing grit in your stewardship? Drop a comment below, and let’s grow together. And if this encouraged you, share it with someone who needs to hear it today!
