The gift of salvation is just that, it is a gift. It does not cost you anything. Life itself is a gift from God. Forgiveness of sins and power for service are all gifts from God. But we do have to approach God the way prescribed in the Bible (by faith) to appropriate these things.
When I had my Naturopathic office open, I saw many patients who would say they wanted to lose weight, change their lifestyle or overcome high blood pressure, etc. but were not willing to do what was necessary to get free of those problems. I see the same type of problems in the Body of Christ today.
For example, we are often told of the importance of reading, studying, and meditating on the Word of God. We are told to speak the promises of God because our words have power. We are told to come boldly to the Father in time of need, we are told to fast, etc. We all want the very best of what God has for us but often are not willing to put ourselves in the place we need to be to appropriate those things into daily life.
I notice how easy it is to say we want God’s blessings but not obey the conditions that may come with some of His promises! It is easier to complain about what we don’t have instead of believing and acting on the Word of God! If you want what God promises in His Word, start feeding your mind and spirit the Word of God – specifically His promises (2 Pet.1:3-4) and declare what the promise offers, believe it, say it, and obey it!
One of our Elders at New Life Church was having some health issues about a year ago. He was overweight and as a result of that other problems were manifesting. He determined to start by losing some weight, which he did, he lost 70 pounds in ten months by changing his diet and exercising, and taking no medications. He feels much better, looks better, has more energy, has no brain fog, etc. Most things are possible if you want it badly enough to act!