Three Keys To (Help) Overcome Sin
As alluring as the title of this article may be, this is not a three-step guide on How To Make It Into Heaven; the following concepts are merely accumulated tools that must be at the forefront of our minds and hearts in order to combat temptation and the urge to commit sinful acts or dwell on evil thoughts. The next time you regrettably commit a sin or feel the nudge to do something you know is against The Word of God, practice the three following guidelines.
Make God Your Highest Priority
In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.
Proverbs 6:3 King James Version
Acquaintances, friends, loved ones, family, each relationship you form has a particular priority level. We are commanded to reveal the Love of Christ with all people, but the level of attention toward your spouse would not be the same level of attention you would give a stranger. When you acknowledge The Lord and make your relationship with Him your highest priority, you will, in turn, fall in love with His Living Word and obey His commandments. The temptation and the desire to sin weakens when you come to the realization that each disobedient act you take hurts your Father and Creator.
Repentance
If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.
1 John 1:9 New International Version
Repentance is essential concerning our daily bond with God. We must regularly purge our sins and ask for forgiveness if we want to walk uprightly with Him. A primary key to overcoming sin is to acknowledge when sin is present in your life. Repentance A. holds us accountable for our actions. B. guides us to turn from our fleshly ways and strive for a pure lifestyle. C. puts us in the right mindset to effectively minister to others and witness to the lost.
Change Your Surroundings
But now I am writing to you that you must not associate with anyone who claims to be a brother or sister but is sexually immoral or greedy, an idolater or slanderer, a drunkard or swindler...
I Corinthians 5:11 New International Version
Have you ever felt like you were doing absolutely everything right, but there was still a disconnect from The Presence of God? Those acquaintances, friends, loved ones, and family members mentioned earlier are imperfect people just like you and me. Sometimes just shying away from the gossipers, backbiters, and embellishers is all you need. Once you shut out all the noise and opinions of others, it becomes easier to hear that still, small voice. Even a toxic work environment can mentally weigh you down. That is why it is vital to create a safe mental space at the beginning of your day. Start each morning with prayer, devotion, and meditation. It sets the entire mood for the hours ahead.
