The temptations in your life are no different from what others experience. And God is faithful. He will not allow the temptation to be more than you can stand. When you are tempted, he will show you a way out so that you can endure. 1 Corinthians 10:13 (NLT)
One of the most common reasons that people distance themselves from God is personal failure. They are taught that Christians have an advantage because Jesus lives inside them, but they still struggle with temptation. At times they fail to meet the standard they’ve set for themselves and they’re confused. They ask themselves, “If Christianity is so great, why do I still struggle?”
Even with a new nature, we have to control desires. Knowing that you have received a new nature will help you realize you are capable of conquering temptation, but it’s not a magic wand. We all have to control selfish tendencies. Although you have the nature of God in your spirit, your mind and emotions haven’t quite caught up. You will still fight the temptation to meet desires selfishly.
We all struggle to keep selfishness at bay, which is why it is vital that we spend time in God’s Word. When we meditate on what God tells us, life becomes easier. We’re empowered to overcome temptation and live exciting, passionate lives!
If you fail, don’t allow yourself to remain stuck in condemnation. Pick yourself up and keep going. Feed yourself God’s Word and it will become a part of your belief systems. As you grow in His Word, you will drown your selfish tendencies and gain an increased confidence in the power Jesus gives you—a solid belief that you can overcome any temptation that comes your way.