II Timothy 2:1 

“You, therefore, my son, be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus.”

‘Be strong’ in Greek is ‘endynamou’ and is in the passive imperative. So it means to: – be strengthened; – be empowered. 

It is the same word as in Ephesians 6:10; “Be strong in the Lord”. 

This strength is from the ongoing grace of Jesus. This is what he leans into as he: 

– disciples men (v 2)

– endures hardship (v 3)

– competes like an athlete (v 5)

– labors like a farmer (v 6)

So yes to the best effort. But this best effort must be fueled by the empowering grace of God (I Corinthians 15:10).

Who is getting your ‘best effort’?