Sin is the struggle we fight daily as we surrender our will to the will of the Father. The power of sin has been defeated by Jesus on the cross, yet the allures of it still entrap us. We know what to do but we struggle to do it. What is it about sin that keeps drawing us in?
Why do we keep running back to sin?
The simple answer, sin is enticing. It is what we know we shouldn’t do but do anyway because it is enjoyable, dangerous, exciting, yet fleeting. Our desire for this satisfaction births the way for sin to enter our lives. We can blame outside sources for their influence but ultimately it is always our decision to engage with the desire.
The writer in James 1:14 – 15 explains the slow yet deadly development of sin in our lives:
“But each one is tempted when he is drawn away by his own desires and enticed. Then, when desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and sin, when it is full-grown, brings forth death”
James 1:14 – 15
Thankfully, death has been removed as we can be reconciled with God, even after sin, through salvation. Nonetheless, we are still susceptible to the consequences of our sin. We experience the tangible devastation and brokenness that sin can produce in our lives, in the lives of those around us. We have notable examples, in the bible, of two young men who were presented with their desires. One gave in to their desires which led to sin while the other ran from their desire, fleeing sin. These men are David and Joseph, respectively. (Read more about their stories in Genesis 39:7-14, and 2 Samuel 11).
It is important to note that at any given time we can be either of the young men. Sometimes we recognise the allure of our desires and flee; other times we do not. The bible does give us guidance on what God considers sin, but it is not a “complete” list. Although we have clarification on certain sins, we cannot categorise everything else as do’s and don’t. Sin is anything against God and His word. And as fallen men and women, we sin, we all have sinned (Romans 3:23).
How do we end the cycle?
Even so, we are not our sin. Our sin does not define us. Christ does, but we have to be cautious as there is a sin that ensnares each one of us. We must lay it aside and run with endurance the race ahead of us (Hebrews 12:1). We cannot be naive or comfortable about sin. Although sin is not a part of us and can be dealt with, there are triggers in our life that can lead us back to a habitual sin. We must identify those in this fight and remove them. Remember, we are born again as new creations who walk in a new life. We leave behind anything from the past, including these habitual sins. Below are three ways to do that:
Identify sin
If we say we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us
1 John 1:8
Our generation needs to stop normalising what God calls sin. It is time to acknowledge the sin in our lives as the only way to end this cycle is to admit it and understand that we cannot fight sin on our own. Then we should surrender to Christ who has saved us from our sin. We must acknowledge its presence in our life. Then, we can disassociate who we are, from the sin we may struggle with, and identify ourselves with who the Word says we are.
Ask for forgiveness
If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness
1 John 1:9
Once we identify the sin, we confess it. We can confess our sin to God and confide in a trusted confidant. We do not have to fight alone. God loves us and forgives us. Remember, we are part of Gods family through the redemptive power of His Son (Gal. 4:5). We cannot be made right with God but for the grace given through Christ. We should never forget that we have received grace to free us from our sin and there is no condemnation against us (Rom 8:1). There is no sin greater than His love (Rom. 8:38-39).
Focus on God
But if we walk in the light as He is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus Christ His Son cleanses us from all sin
1 John 1:7
Immerse yourself with the things of God. We already know the flesh and the spirit cannot walk together. And light and darkness cannot co-exist. Therefore, we should focus on accepting the grace to live a life pleasing to God and trust the discernment of the Holy Spirit to fight our sin. But sin is serious and our attitude towards it needs to be one of vigilance and defence. We cannot afford to become complacent. It is for our sin that Jesus went to the cross, the highest price to pay. The way we live our lives is a matter of importance to God.