Those who love to exercise, exercise. Those who love to paint, paint. Those who love to golf, golf. What we do reveals what we love. This becomes obvious when we try something new. Every January, people make resolutions and, according to recent data, by this time—six months later—more than half have not kept their resolutions. Until you love the new way more than the old, you will continue in what you already know and love. In the case of our faith journey, until you love Jesus more than your sin, you will continue in it.

“‘If you love me, obey my commandments.’” (John 14:15) 

Jesus made it simple: if you love Him you will keep His commandments. So do you? Do you at least try with all your heart, strength, and mind to live in obedience? What you do will show what you love. Do you love Jesus more than the pleasure your sin gives you? 

“Loving God means keeping his commandments, and his commandments are not burdensome. For every child of God defeats this evil world, and we achieve this victory through our faith. And who can win this battle against the world? Only those who believe that Jesus is the Son of God.” (1 John 5:3-5) 

You will never defeat this evil world or win in this constant battle if you love your sin more than you love God. If God has broken the chains of sin in your life, then why return to them? Why seek to be clamped back in your chains for a fleeting moment of pleasure? Focus on your love for Jesus, remember all that He has done for you, and hold that love higher than your love for your sin.

“So we are lying if we say we have fellowship with God but go on living in spiritual darkness; we are not practicing the truth.” (1 John 1:6)

There can be a big difference between what people say and what they do. If you are living in spiritual darkness, John said you are then lying if you say you have fellowship with God. You can’t have your sin and fellowship with God. You must pick one. You won’t stop living in your sin and struggling with the same sin over and over again until you love Him more than your sin. 

“‘So why do you keep calling me ‘Lord, Lord!’ when you don’t do what I say?’” (Luke 6:46)

It’s a straightforward question. Why call Jesus “Lord” if you are not going to obey Him? Are you still struggling with the same sin? Have you considered what you love more: your sin or Jesus? Until you love Jesus more than your sin, you will continue to struggle with the same sin over and over. Love Him with all of your strength, all of your heart, and all of your mind. Make every effort to stay on the path of obedience with Christ. Love Him more than your sin.

May the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, the love of God, and fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with you all.

—Redeemed