Sometimes people warn us about ‘trying too hard’ in our pursuit to attain a more robust experience of our faith. If we press to gain more revelation in the Spirit, to exercise His supernatural gifts, to heal the sick, to express His power more fully on behalf of others, religious people are the first to caution: “Don’t forget, it’s God who does this stuff, not you.”

In no other walk of life do we hear such discouragement. No one says, “Hey, don’t worry about getting that term paper in. If you’re supposed to get an ‘A,’ it’ll happen.”

Or, “Chill out, Bro! You think by all this strain you’ll finish the construction project by the date you contracted for?”

Or, “Why are you practicing so hard for this dance competition? Just relax and do your best. If it’s meant to be, it’ll work out.”

Inside each of us, we know how it is. Those who persist with focus, diligence and passion achieve their desires far more often than those who keep telling them to take it easy.

In the things of the Kingdom of God, however, many think differently. They continually say, “You can’t earn this, you know, it’s all a gift.” Or, “If God wants it done, He’ll do it through you. You just rest.”

Believers who think this way miss a really big point. The Salvation we enjoy is altogether ours by God’s gift through Jesus’ complete work. But now, having been born into His Kingdom without our ever lifting a finger, we are called to live, grow and produce fruit in this life.

Jesus said, We must work the works of Him who sent Me as long as it is day; night is coming when no one can work. Jn 9:4

How ‘bout Paul’s remarks: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him. Heb. 11:6

So also you, since you are zealous of spiritual gifts, seek to abound for the edification of the church. 1 Cor 14:12

No one knew more than Paul that the free gift of God was by grace, alone. But consider his attitude and behavior in response to such a gift:

Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one receives the prize? So run that you may obtain it. Every athlete exercises self- control in all things. They do it to receive a perishable wreath, but we an imperishable. So I do not run aimlessly; I do not box as one beating the air. But I discipline my body and keep it under control, lest after preaching to others I myself should be disqualified.

Paul is essentially saying, ‘I spill out my guts to obtain and experience every last bit of the inheritance Christ wrung out His life to give me. Presenting all that I am to the Lord is simply the fitting offering of my gratitude.’

Yeah, Paul was all about grace. He shed his blood, sweat and tears, working to make it known.