The gospel of Jesus is against earning, not effort. In fact, for those who’ve trusted in Christ for salvation, effort is commanded. After all, didn’t Paul write, “Make every effort...to be holy” (Hebrews 12:14) and “work out your salvation with fear and trembling” (Phil. 2:13). Jesus won us our salvation in full (justification by faith alone; Romans 3:21-26), but we experience and grow into its fullness only inasmuch as we intentionally walk in it (sanctification by grace-fueled effort). Like our physical bodies, we don’t work for our salvation, but we do work it out.

I wonder, how much effort are making to become more like Jesus in how you think, feel, and act? What are you doing to grow?

Epictetus, the Stoic Philosopher, once lovingly rebuked his own students and their lackadaisical efforts to improve themselves. I think his words speak even more powerfully to Christians saved by grace.

How long will you wait before you demand the best of yourself…? You have been introduced to the essential doctrines and claim to understand them. So what kind of teacher are you waiting for that makes you delay putting these principles into practice until he comes? You’re a grown man already, not a child any more. If you remain careless and lazy, making excuse after excuse, fixing one day after another when you will (finally get serious)…you will have lived and died unenlightened.

Decide that you are an adult who is going to devote the rest of your life to making progress. Abide by what seems best as if it were an untouchable law. When faced with anything painful or pleasurable, anything bringing glory or disrepute, realize that the crisis is now, that the Olympics have started, and waiting is no longer an option. The chance for progress, to keep or lose, turns on the events of a single day. That’s how Socrates got to be the person he was, by depending on reason to meet his every challenge. You’re not yet Socrates, but you can still live as if you want to be him.

Enchiridion, 51

God has equipped you, dear Christian, with every grace needed to grow, mature, and flourish into the image of Jesus. His Son’s blood cleansed your sin and saved you from judgment. His Spirit dwells within. His Word lights your path. His church is alive and well to walk with you in the Way. The only thing stopping you from growing is you.

How long will you wait before you demand the best of yourself? Decide the kind of person you want to be and “make every effort to be holy.” Joy is to be had.