The View From Ninety-Two

[11] ... count yourselves dead to sin but alive to God in Christ Jesus. [12] Therefore, do not let sin reign in your mortal body so that you obey its evil desires. [13] Do not offer the parts of your body to sin, as instruments of wickedness, but rather offer yourselves to God as those who have been brought from death to life; and offer the parts of your body to Him, as instruments of righteousness.

* Effort is necessary to resist sin. Why is that?? Because sin appeals to human desire. So if it feels good, why not do it?? Just because God said so?? Well, yeah. BUT, additionally, I personally benefit if I choose the path of righteousness. It's about delayed gratification. In general, as a true Christian (not just a church-goer), God has forgiven me of all my wrongs ... truly setting me free. But He's has also set guidelines ... and, anyway, not everything is beneficial!! How is it beneficial for me to become addicted to anything?? Caffeine, cocaine, beer, TV sitcoms, music ... or anything that I just gotta have in order to sustain my life, besides God. True freedom is being able to walk this life free of the pull of things ... not indulging in everything that crosses the radar.

Speaking from experience, living to please myself eventually brings destruction, while living to please God brings life and peace ... in spite of my immediate circumstances.