The cross is the place where the Judge takes the Judgment.
Faith in God's promises means not always following the expected, rational path.
It's impossible to have met the real Jesus and be indifferent. You either bow down in wonder OR go away offended.
Describe the God you've rejected. Describe the God you don't believe in. Maybe I don't believe in that God either.
Your heart is smothering under your small ambitions.
If we say, 'I believe in Jesus,' but it doesn't affect the way we live, the answer is not that now we need to add hard work to our faith so much as that we haven't truly understood or believed in Jesus at all.