Those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified their corrupt nature along with its passions and desires.
Galatians 5:24
Giving up sin isn’t just about giving up things in your life; it’s about giving up the right to your life. Jesus didn’t say it was going to cost you something to follow him; he said it was going to cost you everything. If you can’t give up your right to want what you want, then you aren’t following Christ; you’re following yourself. You have to be willing to give up your independence and become totally dependent on God and what he wants for you. As long as you rely on yourself to decide what you need, you will be unhappy. You’ll be forever looking for the next fix, the next thing to lift you up or pull you through.
You aren’t holy by nature; holiness takes sacrifice and practice. If you can’t sacrifice your wants, then you haven’t truly crucified your corrupt sinful nature. And without crucifixion there is no hope for a new life free from the bondage of sin (see Gal. 2:20). If your sin has gotten the better of you and you are finally ready to ditch it, then you have to learn to say no to yourself. But look out—sin will continue to make you think that you can’t live without it, but that’s a lie straight from the lips of the devil. Don’t buy it one more day. Not only can you live without the sin, but you will thrive without it. Giving up sin turns you toward God and away from the devil. Who are you focusing on? Do you need to say no to yourself and turn around?