Getting to the Root of the Problem

Yesterday I was pulling up some weeds in my back yard that had gotten way out of control and had grown to a alarmingly large size. Almost everyday I would see them and I knew something had to be done. So yesterday I decided to go out and do something about those weeds. I knew that if I just cut them off at the base they would soon grow again and I would still have the problem on my hands. They would have to be pulled up by the root.
The same thing is true about sin in our lives. First, if we have sin in our lives, we need to acknowledge that we have a problem with that sin. Secondly, sin has to be dealt with. Sin keeps us from being in proper communion with God. If we hold sin back from God, the Bible says God won't hear our prayers( Psalm 66:18 ). However if we confess that sin (agree with God that it is sin and turn from it), God says that He will forgive us ( 1John 1:9 ) Thirdly, we have to get to the root of the problem. For instance, if someone struggles with pride they need to find the source of the pride and start the removal process there. We need to ask the Lord for His power and help and acknowledge that we can't do it ourselves ( 2 Cor. 3:5 ). When that sin tempts us, we need to first ask the Lord for help. While relying on the Lord's help, we need to quote Scripture and then turn that temptation into praise. Thank God for the victory He has given you in Christ. Thank God for His promises and for who He is. Then remove yourself from the opportunity to sin. If it's doing something sinful or going to a bad place, get yourself busy doing something something else or don't go where you will be tempted. Remember rely on the Lord's strength. During temptation, if you choose to follow what God wants and you trust Him, He will help you.