Being born again into relationship with Christ is merely the starting point of our Christian walk. As we attempt to move forward with Him, it’s not long before we find that our struggle with self-will doesn’t simply evaporate. Each and every one of us butts up against the very same obstacle: “Will I continue living my life for my own self-gratification, or will I surrender my life completely, dedicating myself to live for His purposes and pleasure instead of my own?” Over time we learn that this conflict is a lifelong battle for the believer—that it never entirely disappears, though its intensity certainly diminishes as we mature in our relationship with Him.

(Excerpted from “Free from the Power of Sin: The Keys to Growing in God in Spite of Yourself”)