Recently, I am beginning to find out the effort I need to put into things to reach my goals. For example, I really want to get better at reading more books so I know I have to set aside some time and make the effort to read instead of scroll on social media. In the morning I want to get into a better habit of having my quiet time with God, this means I have to put in some effort to get up a little bit earlier and do the chores with a bit more purpose to give myself that time.
Nothing can be achieved without effort. Our relationship with God can not grow without effort. We need to be open with God, let Him in to all the places of our life and let Him transform us. Our salvation is the only thing that doesn’t require OUR effort, our salvation is freely given to us by God. We don’t have to achieve a list to be saved. We just have to accept it.
For by grace you have been saved through faith; and that not of yourselves, it is the gift of God;
Ephesians 2:8 (NASB)
Now my five minutes of writing is up. This post is part of the Five Minute Friday writing community. Read more post or join us!
The Life We Build 
It is effort to put aside
that falsehood we believe,
our vile and overweening pride
that we may now humbly receive
the grace that is ours for the taking
in our outstretched empty hands,
but I’ve been so fond of making
what I thought were better plans
that I became blind to the need
to let my haughty nature go,
for there is no way that a seed
can be planted, and there grow
in soul that thinks itself complete
made up of smooth and hard concrete.
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It sounds like we have the same goals this year. I am trying to read more books also. I love how you wrote: Our salvation is the only thing that doesn’t require OUR effort, our salvation is freely given to us by God. Amen!
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Yes, accomplishment requires effort. I think you are also saying the need for a plan. In this new year I want to have a daily plan and a list of priorities.
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I’m so thankful I do not have to “earn” salvation! I could never manage it on my own. Truly thankful for this gift of God. I receive it!
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