Struggling with Sin

Over the past few years I have had numerous believers come to me and tell me the sins that they are struggling with in hopes of seeking advice and/or prayer. In fact, I have even gone to other believers seeking prayer and counsel on the sins I struggle with. We tell each other our struggles with sin because that's what we are suppose to do, right?

The thing is.. I think some of us overuse the word "struggle" way too much. If you look up the word struggle in the dictionary it says "to make forceful or violent efforts to get free of restraint or constriction." Okay, well sin is definitely a restraint and constriction on our lives, but are we really struggling from it? Are we actually making a forceful or violent effort to become free of our sins, or are we merely claiming that we are struggling and continuing to live in our own sinful habits?

After telling others, "Hey, I'm really struggling with _______." we feel relief because we think we have justified living in our sin because others know that we are "struggling" with it. If someone catches us in our sin after admitting our struggles we think it's okay because we can then say "well I told you it was something I'm struggling with." 

Start thinking about your so-called "struggles" and really evaluate your life. Are you honestly struggling with your sins, or are you really wanting to be made clean, just not yet. Are you wanting to be made good, just not entirely. I'm sure no one would honestly pray, "Lord make my heart clean, but wait until after I commit this sin again." That's just absurd, but we definitely live our lives that way a lot of the time.

I guess in a sense this post is mostly just an eyeopener, however I also want to challenge you to really start dealing with your sins. Seriously, if you're going to call your sin a struggle, then start making every effort to stop committing it. If that means to walk away from your best friends when they are gossiping, then do it! If it means to have your computer taken from your room, then do it! The choice to stop sinning is yours. You have the power of Christ in you to help you resist temptations and make whatever changes in your life that you need to make. So, take advantage of that, and live in the light of The Lord. Remember, you are not alone. 

I want you to know that I am praying for those of you reading this. I honestly am. I am praying that you find your strength in Christ to fight against your sins, and I am praying that you will not be discouraged by your sins and instead continue fighting against them. I know sin can hold a strong grip on your life at times, but your God is stronger.