I like sports. Whether it’s basketball, 
baseball, football, tennis, or any other sport, I marvel at how the athletes continuously push themselves to be better and better. They put forth extra effort so they can be the best they can be.
This made me think about our spiritual lives. Is our service and devotion to God listless, insincere, lukewarm, and even mediocre? Or are we on fire for the Lord, giving Him 100% of ourselves, and doing the very best we can for Him?
Second Peter 1:5-8 say, “For this very reason, make every effort to add to your faith goodness; and to goodness, knowledge; and to knowledge, self-control; and to self-control, perseverance; and to perseverance, godliness; and to godliness, mutual affection; and to mutual affection, love.” The key phrase in this passage is “make every effort.”
If we are going to grow from just having faith in God to being the Christians He is calling us to be, we have to put in the work. The above verse lists some things that we have to put forth effort to do effectively: treat people right, study the Bible, refrain from doing wrong, persevere through trouble, live godly lives, have care and concern for others, and love people unconditionally. None of these things will happen automatically; we have to work at them regularly and depend on the power of the Holy Spirit to help us achieve them.
How hard are you trying to follow God’s instructions and do His will? Are you just giving the Lord halfhearted effort or are you making a conscious decision to do your best for God?
Since none of us is perfect, we can always do better than we are doing. In what one or two areas of your walk with God will you commit to do better, starting today? Tell me in the comments.
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