Strive: The Christian Call to Spiritual Effort and Perseverance

To strive is to make a great and determined effort toward a goal. In the Christian life it describes the wholehearted pursuit of God — a response of faith that works itself out in obedience, endurance and prayer, while trusting entirely in His grace rather than in our own strength.

The Biblical Call to Spiritual Effort

Jesus commanded His hearers to "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 eternal alternative must be avoided at all costs.

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 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.

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

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).

The Christian life therefore 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.

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 what is ahead, pressing on toward the goal" (Phil 3:12–15)?

Our efforts combined with God's Spirit produce results

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 dependence on God in prayer is essential.

Persevering in Prayer and Purpose

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 own strength — only by His power at work within us.

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.

Striving requires balance. There must be effort put in on our part: God will not do for us what is our responsibility, and we cannot do what only He can do. The Christian life is a co-operation with Him — we act in obedient faith, while He supplies the strength and produces the growth that neither our striving nor our resting could achieve alone (1 Cor 3:6–7; Phil 2:12–13).

Make no mistake: there will be a cost involved. Jesus was honest about this, telling would-be followers to "count the cost" before building, and declaring that anyone who does not carry his cross cannot be His disciple (Lk 14:27–33). The cost is real — pride surrendered, comforts foregone, relationships strained, time and resources given. "Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross and follow me. For what good is it for someone to gain the whole world, yet forfeit their soul?" (Mk 8:34–36).

Yet the cost will always be worth it. Paul weighed everything he once valued against knowing Christ and counted it all loss "for the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord" (Phil 3:8). Whatever we surrender in this life is repaid a hundredfold, and the light and momentary troubles we endure are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all (Mk 10:29–30; 2 Cor 4:17). The prize at the end — an eternal relationship with God, a crown of righteousness, the words "Well done, good and faithful servant" — makes every sacrifice along the way seem small by comparison (Mt 25:21; Rom 8:18; 2 Tim 4:7–8).

Reflection and Application

Make every effort, each day, to grow your relationship with God through His Word and prayer.
Name one excuse of the flesh that holds you back, and bring it honestly to God this week.
Set one specific spiritual goal — serving, giving, or sharing your faith — and press on toward it.
Travail in prayer over one matter, refusing to let go until your heart is aligned with His will.