Make Every Effort

 

Daily Gratitude Year Eleven- Day 17: Today, I am grateful we can make every effort.  

Some days our efforts are more successful than others. I know I never get it all right! Not even for one day. 

We have a God who knows our thoughts. That, my friend, will always be humbling!!!

This scripture struck a nerve today. 

"Work at living in peace with everyone, and work at living a holy life, for those who are not holy will not see the Lord."-Hebrews 12:14 (NLT)

Work... at living in peace... it takes work.

Work at living in peace with... everyone. Not just people you like. 
Work... at living a holy life... it takes work. The sinful nature is real.
Why bother? So those who do not know Him will see the Lord! 

Hebrews 12:14 is worth looking at in "all English versions." 

Some versions say, "Pursue peace." In other words, chase it. Run!

"Work at getting along with each other and with God. Otherwise you’ll never get so much as a glimpse of God. Make sure no one gets left out of God’s generosity. Keep a sharp eye out for weeds of bitter discontent. A thistle or two gone to seed can ruin a whole garden in no time. Watch out for the Esau syndrome: trading away God’s lifelong gift in order to satisfy a short-term appetite. You well know how Esau later regretted that impulsive act and wanted God’s blessing—but by then it was too late, tears or no tears." - Hebrews 12:14-17 (The Message)

We don't have to be perfect. We are instructed to "make every effort".  Not half an effort. Not even a "good" effort. We are to make "every" effort. 

We are to make it our daily mission to behave in a way that points to "The Way." I am so grateful for His grace and mercy. 

Today, I am grateful we can make every effort.