Grit and Grind Christianity: Why the Church Needs More Heart

It’s that time of year again - NBA season is tipping off. And if you live in Memphis, you know the mantra: Grit and Grind.

The Memphis Grizzlies built their identity not on flash, but on fight. It wasn’t always pretty, but it was relentless. Tough defense. Relentless hustle. Players like Tony Allen and Zach Randolph weren’t household names everywhere, but they became legends here because they embodied one thing: heart.

And honestly, the church could use more of that.

Following Jesus Takes Grit

At times, faith can feel like a grind.

You pray, but the answer doesn’t come. You forgive, but the hurt comes back. You show up, but wonder if it matters. You worship, but your heart feels heavy. You fight sin, but you stumble again.

Those are the moments that test us. And discipleship is less about how we feel in the moment, and more about whether we choose to keep going.

Paul reminds us:

“And let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season we will reap, if we do not give up.” (Galatians 6:9, ESV)

That’s why Tony Allen’s mantra, “All Heart. Grit. Grind.” resonates so deeply with Memphis. He wasn’t a flashy scorer, but he kept showing up on defense every possession. In the same way, Christians are called to keep showing up, even when our “stats” don’t look impressive. The Kingdom isn’t about quick wins. It’s about steady, gritty faithfulness.

Faith Is a Daily Grind

We live in a world that wants shortcuts, instant answers, and quick fixes. But following Christ takes training.

• Athletes lift and sweat for strength.

• Students study and review for wisdom.

• Farmers plow and plant for harvest.

And disciples? We pray. We read. We serve. We endure.

Jesus never promised ease. He promised a cross. And carrying a cross means persistence even when the weight feels heavy.

Zach Randolph (Z-Bo) wasn’t smooth or flashy, but he battled in the paint every night. It wasn’t glamorous, but it won games. Faith works the same way. Our daily disciplines - Scripture, prayer, obedience - might not grab headlines, but they are how God shapes us to endure.

The Church Needs More Heart

If the church is going to thrive in a weary world, we don’t need more polish. We need more perseverance.

We need believers who pray through discouragement, who love when it’s inconvenient, who serve when nobody notices, who stay faithful when compromise would be easier.

That kind of heart is what strengthens marriages, carries neighbors through crises, and keeps the light of Christ burning when culture wants it dimmed.

The Grit-and-Grind Grizzlies weren’t built on superstars, but on unity and toughness. That same grit and teamwork is what the church needs. Faithful people who are committed to Christ and to each other.

Play Your Role

Every great team needs role players. Tony Allen guarded. Z-Bo rebounded. Mike Conley led with poise. Marc Gasol anchored the defense. Nobody tried to do it all, but together they built something greater than themselves.

The church is the same way.

“But as it is, God arranged the members in the body, each one of them, as he chose.” (1 Corinthians 12:18, ESV)

Some of us teach. Some serve quietly. Some encourage. Some give generously. Some lead. When each of us embraces our God-given role and shows grit in it, the church grows strong.

Grit Guards Against Drift

Without grit, we drift.

We drift toward comfort instead of conviction. We drift toward coasting instead of commitment. We drift toward showing up when it feels good, instead of staying steady when it costs us something.

But grit guards against that drift. It calls us back to the basics: prayer, service, obedience, endurance.

“Share in suffering as a good soldier of Christ Jesus.” (2 Timothy 2:3, ESV)

Like the Grizzlies on defense, grit reminds us to lock in, hold our ground, and stay focused on the goal. The Christian life is not flashy. But it is faithful.

So Let Me Ask You (as I ask myself):

• Am I following Jesus only when it feels easy, or also when it gets costly?

• Do I persevere in prayer even when the answer is delayed?

• Do I serve others when I am tired, unseen, or unappreciated?

• Is my faith shaped more by feelings or by daily disciplines?

• Where in my life right now do I need more spiritual grit?

Keep Grinding

The Christian life isn’t always smooth, but it is always worth it.

Jesus didn’t promise comfort. He promised His presence. He didn’t promise success by the world’s standards. He promised victory by His cross.

So don’t quit. Don’t coast. Don’t wait until you feel like it. Show up, pray hard, love well, and keep going.

Because the church doesn’t need more highlight reels. It needs more grit. It needs more grind. It needs more heart.

Until the journey is complete,

Jonathan Pilgrim

P.S. As the NBA season kicks off, let every highlight from the Grizzlies or your favorite team remind you: hustle matters. This week, add grit to your faith. Pray one more time. Serve one more person. Take one more step. Keep grinding.