How can one take the means to attain God, and why was it linked to "Jihad for the sake of God"?

The verse, "O you who have believed, fear Allah and seek the wasila to Him, and strive in His cause that you may succeed" (Al-Ma'idah: 35), is interpreted to mean that taqwa (fearing Allah) is to avoid what angers Allah, such as sins. The wasila (means of approach) is to draw near to Allah by performing acts of obedience, fulfilling heart and bodily obligations, and showing kindness to creation. As for mentioning jihad (striving) after commanding the wasila, it is because it is one of the greatest acts of obedience and the best means of drawing near to Allah. The falah (success) mentioned in the verse is triumph, salvation, and eternal bliss.