Sep 29 – Make Every Effort!

There are various kinds of efforts. There is worldly effort (Ecclesiastes 2:11), there is effort toward godliness (1 Timothy 4:7), there is physical effort (1 Timothy 4:8), and there is effort that works together with faith (James 2:22). Since physical effort has little profit, Apostle Paul writes, “Exercise yourself toward godliness.” Therefore, the effort that is combined with godliness is greater than all others.

Many young people come and say, “Sir, we are unable to live a godly life. We keep falling into the lust of the flesh. We do not have victory over the lust of the eyes. Our spiritual life feels weak and weary.”

But when you truly make an effort for godliness – by reading the Bible, praying, and fellowshipping with God’s children – a holy and victorious life becomes possible. Making the effort is our responsibility. And the Holy Spirit blesses that effort and guides us on the straight path.

There is a proverb: “The diligent will never be despised.” Those who are diligent will progress, while those who make no effort become like a pond covered with moss. To pass an exam, students must study diligently. For children to get married, parents must pray and work toward it.

Some do nothing, blaming their misfortune and complaining that God does not open His eyes to their situation. This accomplishes nothing. But when you pray, work, and make every effort, the Lord will stand by you and help you. He never helps the lazy.

Worldly scientists make great discoveries through relentless effort. Thomas Alva Edison, a devout Christian, worked day and night – along with prayer – to create new inventions. The electric bulb he invented brings light to millions of homes even today. Not a single one of his inventions came through at the first attempt. History tells us that hundreds of his discoveries were the result of tireless and repeated efforts.

The Wright brothers, who invented the airplane, first built a model that only flew a few feet. Later, by correcting the flaws, adding improvements, and after thousands of attempts, they finally succeeded. With continual human efforts, today we see countless types of airplanes flying across the skies.

In the same way, for us the children of God, to inherit the Kingdom of Heaven, it is essential that we allow many changes to take place within us.

Verse for further meditation: “Do you see that faith was working together with his works, and by works faith was made perfect?” (James 2:22)