Built for ImpactSample

Grit is the Starting Point of Greatness

You remember the movie Braveheart? William Wallace doesn’t lead a rebellion because someone gave him a leadership seminar. He fights because something deep inside won’t let him settle for injustice and cowardice. That’s what Peter’s getting at here when he says, “Add to your faith… goodness.” He’s not talking about being polite or just doing good deeds. The Greek word here is aretē — it’s moral courage, virtue in action, the kind of inner strength that makes you get up and fight the right battles.

Let’s be honest — most men are exhausted because they’ve been swinging swords at the wrong enemies. Chasing titles, bank accounts, approval, or pleasure — all while neglecting the inner life that makes a man truly dangerous for the Kingdom.

But Peter is clear: Faith is just the beginning. If your faith is real, it will show up in how you live. Not perfectly, but intentionally. With guts. With grit.

Faith That Works

Faith alone saves you — that’s grace. But faith alone is not enough to make you effective. That’s why Peter uses the phrase “make every effort.” In the Greek, it means bring intense diligence, eagerness, and focus — not casual interest.

You don't drift into greatness. You build it — brick by brick, choice by choice.

Adding "goodness" means we refuse to settle for mediocrity. It means we grow a backbone. In your marriage, it looks like showing up emotionally, even when you're tired. At work, it’s taking responsibility when it would be easier to shift blame. In your spiritual life, it’s choosing obedience even when no one’s watching.

At Work: Where Goodness Gets Tested

Your job isn’t just a paycheck — it’s a proving ground. Are you known for cutting corners or raising the standard? Do people trust your word, even when there’s money on the line? Do you make others better, or just try to look better than others? God doesn’t just want you to survive the workweek — He wants you to represent Him in how you lead, decide, and influence. That’s “goodness” in action.

The Quiet Integrity of Truett Cathy

Truett Cathy, the founder of Chick-fil-A, was once asked why he insisted on closing all stores on Sundays, even though they were losing millions in potential revenue. His answer? “Because my convictions matter more than my profits.“ That’s the kind of goodness Peter is talking about — moral excellence that doesn’t cave under pressure.

It’s not about perfection. It’s about deciding: I’m not for sale. I’m not going with the flow. I’m going with God.

Challenge Questions:

• Where in your life are you settling for “good enough”?
• What’s one area at work where you’ve been compromising excellence or character?
• What would it look like for you to pursue goodness with intentionality this week?

Prayer:

“Lord, give me a backbone of courage and a heart of conviction. Don’t let me settle for comfortable or easy. Teach me to live with grit and goodness — the kind that reflects You and inspires others to follow. Help me lead, work, and love with moral strength. In Jesus’ name, Amen.”

Today’s “Rep” (Action Step):

Pick one area of your life (marriage, job, parenting, leadership, etc.) where you’ve been on autopilot. Ask God to show you where you’ve been settling — and make one bold move to raise the bar. Write it down. Share it with a brother. And follow through.