Make every effort to do the job well

My sweet mother said anything worth doing is worth doing well the first time. It takes effort to do something well the first time.

Effort’s definition is a vigorous or determined attempt. BibleGateway says the word effort is in the Bible two times. However, only one has the actual word. In verse, it says to make every effort to settle a dispute.

When you go with your adversary to the magistrate, make every effort along the way to settle with him, lest he drag you to the judge, the judge deliver you to the officer, and the officer throw you into prison. Luke 12:58. 

 

Beloved making every effort to settle a difference reminds me of keeping the peace and being a peacemaker.

Blessed are the peacemakers,
For they shall be called sons of God. Matthew 5: 9. 

To whom do you need to make peace? Forgiveness is often the most challenging action, yet it is the most cleansing. When we don’t forgive, bitterness builds up in your life. Resentment kills–bitterness is like drinking poison and expecting the other person to die.

Yet from our struggles, strength comes. Forgiveness leads to peace.

[Tweet “Strength and growth come only through continuous effort and struggle. Napoleon Hill”]

Well

Back to the word effort, a job worth doing is worth doing it well–and doing it well the first time. We each put effort into our careers, marriages, and children. However, one place that we may neglect–prayer. Prayer is the simple act of talking to God. But some days, I find myself rushing into my day without consulting God.

We read a promise in God’s Word,

Confess your trespasses to one another, and pray for one another, that you may be healed. The effective, fervent prayer of a righteous man avails much. James 5:16. 

The effective prayer of a righteous man avails much–prayer takes effort but availeth much.

Father God, may I make every effort to speak to you? The song says whisper a prayer in the morning, whisper a prayer at noon, whisper a prayer in the evening to keep your heart in tune. Let me pray about everything so that my prayers availeth much. In Jesus’s name, Amen.

Effort

Any job is worth the effort.

What is God asking you to do?