Religious Effort can be very different than being in right relationship with God through Reliant Faith in Jesus Christ. Religions are man made, and are based on self-effort to get to God & be accepted by God through rules & regulations fulfilled through self-effort. This is the common basis of all man-made religions.
God's plan for man's salvation and for man being right with Him (told throughout the Bible in the Old Testament and the New Testament) is not based on people's efforts and good works, but is based on His amazing Love and amazing Grace for us. His plan involved His precious Son Jesus paying the price and cost for our sins on the cross. We need to put ALL of our trust and faith in Jesus and in what He did for us on the cross, and not in any religious system or in our own efforts. Simply put all of your trust and faith in Jesus, and accept His free gift of salvation and eternal life, and start experiencing the joy of having a right RELATIONSHIP of love with God.
Knowing Him better and better, Experiencing Him, Hearing His Voice, Seeking His Face, Knowing His Will and continuing to rely fully in Him will all deepen your relationship with Him. Deeper Life
"No one will be justified before God by the works of the Law." Gal 3:11