Strive: The Christian Call to Spiritual Effort and Perseverance

The Biblical Call to Spiritual Effort

To strive is to make a great effort to achieve or obtain something. The Bible says, "Flee the wrath to come... Make every effort to enter heaven" (Lk 3:7, 13:24). This call demands diligence in establishing and maintaining a relationship with God, recognizing that the alternative for eternity must be avoided at all cost.

Salvation cannot be earned through manmade rules, false religions, or self-effort — it is received solely by accepting God's gift through faith in Christ (Jn 14:6; Acts 4:12; Eph 2:8–9). The striving Jesus speaks of involves

Striving is not earning salvation, but responding to the One who has already saved us

overcoming our pride, resisting the pull of sin, confronting the excuses of the flesh, navigating conflicting interests, and enduring the opposition of Satan and the world system under his influence.

The Christian life requires active engagement with God's Word, prayer, and fellowship with other believers. As we grow in our faith, we develop spiritual disciplines that strengthen our relationship with Christ.

Unsaved people do not seek God on their own, yet Christ came to seek and save the lost. He actively works in human affairs, drawing individuals to Himself so they may seek, reach out for, and find Him, thereby receiving redemption (Lk 19:10; Act 17:26–27; Rom 3:11; Heb 11:6).

Living Out Our Faith with Purpose

After becoming Christians, we are called to "work out our salvation" with reverence and awe, actively obeying God while turning away from what is wrong (Phil 2:12). Until the day we enter heaven, we will face trials that test our commitment to Christ (Acts 14:22).

"A person is justified by what they do and not by faith alone" (Jas 2:24). This includes doing the good works we were created for (Eph 2:10). Do we share Paul's passion when he declared, "I press on to take hold of that which Christ Jesus took hold of me... I strain toward

Our efforts combined with God's Spirit produces results

what is ahead, pressing on toward the goal" (Phil 3:12–15)? Other passages urge us to "pursue righteousness... fight the good fight of faith... make every effort" (1 Tim 6:12; 2 Pet 1:3–11).

"I, being on the way [doing what I could], the Lord led me..." (Gen 24:27). "The disciples went out and preached everywhere, and the Lord worked with them and confirmed His word by the signs that accompanied it" (Mk 16:20). We are responsible to act faithfully, and God blesses even our smallest efforts. This is why prayer is essential.

As we travail in prayer — and perhaps fast — we show God our seriousness: "I will not let you go unless you bless me" (Gen 32:26). We are not trying to force God to bless our plans; rather, He invites us into His purposes. Our efforts then align with His will. Even so, we cannot fulfill His purposes in our strength — only through us, by His power.

Consider setting specific spiritual goals for your growth. This might include daily Bible reading, regular prayer times, serving in your local church, or sharing your faith with others. Remember that spiritual growth is a journey, not a destination.