Miriam-Webster defentions of effort @ http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/effort
1. ": conscious exertion of power : hard work <a job requiring time and effort>" 2. ": a serious attempt : try <making an effort to reduce costs>" 3. ": something produced by exertion or trying <the novel was her most ambitious effort>" 4. ": effective force as distinguished from the possible resistance called into action by such a force" 5. ": the total work done to achieve a particular end <the wareffort>"
What I found the Bible to say about effort. I am sure there is more but this post will look at these verses using the KJV.
Col 3: 23And whatsoever ye do, do it heartily, as to the Lord, and not unto men; Eccl 9:10Whatsoever thy hand findeth to do, do it with thy might; for there is no work, nor device, nor knowledge, nor wisdom, in the grave, whither thou goest. I Cor 10:13There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man: but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it. Rom 14:19Let us therefore follow after the things which make for peace, and things wherewith one may edify another. II Tim 3:16All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness:
II Tim 3:16 says all scritpure is good for many things; lasty "for instruction in rigtteousnes." Rom 14: 19 says for us to make peace and edify one another. The other scriptures talk about doing anything with "might" and "heartily" as we would to the Lord. I do not think when is says and not to men it means to do less towards men but to do things always as if we are doing them towards or for God and not less as if men are less. Simply put we are to treat all like we would God in any effort. As God says to the least you do you do the greates as to me. That is a simple paraphrase.
Now put this with the definition of effort. I say we should not simply try but try with the instructiion God gives us; with all our might. The results are wonderful when we follow his words. My stats go high sky when I do as he says and write in a manner of his tone.
I am trying do his work. I am human and vanity gets in my way. Writing the alaphabet is helping me remember why I am writing. Effort by definition may only require a try but God requires our best. Why not do our best anyway? If we do and believe in God he will take it to the top.
