12 Ways to Motivate Yourself to Stop Sinning

I want to stop sinning!
Don’t you?
But do we really?

Habitual sin is very difficult to stop. I am not suggesting that we can be completely sinless this side of heaven, but we can sin less. One of the biggest reasons for failure is that we don’t want to stop badly enough. We need a strong desire to break those strongholds. We need strong incentives in order to resist temptation. So here are…

1. Consider the ramifications

Think about the consequences of doing that sin and the benefits of resisting that sin. We never sin in a vacuum. Our sin has an impact on others, and so does our resisting sin.

Look at the effect of Jesus’ not giving in to the temptation at Gethsemane. If He had we would ALL be going to hell! Instead, Jesus considered the future joy of redeeming mankind and pleasing the Father.

Because of the joy awaiting him, he endured the cross, disregarding its shame. (Heb 12:2 NLT)

So ask yourself, “How will committing, or not committing, this sin affect my state of mind, relationships, health, ministry, job, future…?”

2. Contemplate on the infinite love God has for you, and of His mercy in forgiving all your sins, including the last time you gave in to a temptation.

3. Think how much sin grieves the heart of your Savior, how much it hurts His heart

Picture Jesus Christ hanging on the cross for the sin you are about to commit.

4. Picture the smile on Jesus’ face as you resist that temptation!

5. Do not detach your sin from Christ, i.e. that it has no effect on Him

As a believer you are united with Christ—inseparable. When you are watching that R-rated movie, or over indulging in a meal, Jesus is with you. You will think twice before sinning if you picture Jesus sitting there right beside you.

6. Fear the Lord

All sin, tiny to horrendous, is a serious violation against your Holy God. If you are a true Christian, there is no fear of judgment (1 Jn 4:18), but God cannot wink at sin. His just character will not allow that. There will be consequences here and/or loss of rewards in heaven.

7. Learn to hate your sin

Sin is disgusting and vile to God! If only we could see sin in its true light, we would sin less! When we hear or see atrocities done against someone don’t our hearts cringe? Our inner man cries out for justice.

Now/Surely there are different levels of evil, but all sin is horrific to our pure and holy God. You and I have to stop thinking “I’m not so bad.” That’s just another disguised tactic of Satan.

8. Ponder on the horrors of hell, and the splendors of heaven

Doing this will lead you to sheer gratitude for God’s mercy and grace.

9. Consider resisting as a sacrificial act of love and worship to God

Think: “I agape love You, Lord. I choose to lay my desire down as a sacrifice to You.” (Rom 12:1)

10. Think how much joy and peace you will lose or gain

Remember the horrible guilt you felt the last time you gave into that temptation and sinned.

11. Reflect on your rewards in heaven

These words: “Well done, good and faithful servant…. Come and share your master’s happiness!” will motivate you not to give in (Mat 25:21).

12. Consider the loss or gain of intimacy with your Redeemer

The Lord cannot draw near to you when you are willfully sinning.

You could probably think of more reasons—I certainly can. But in a nutshell, our love for God is the driving force. The more you and I love God, the greater our desire will be not to hurt His heart.

My friend, I challenge you to contemplate on 2-3 of these reasons. When you do you will think twice before you give into that temptation.

And your Savior will be smiling—I guarantee it!

P.S. Don’t forget that when you fail and fall into sin: confess repent and accept God’s forgiveness. Then ask Him to help you not do it again.

P.P.S. Remember that resisting temptation is done through His divine enabling not yours! (see this post)

Helpful Resources
The 3 Lies about Temptation Satan Wants You to Believe
7 Tips to Help You Break that Sin Cycle
How Do You Love God with Your Whole Being?
How to Live God’s Way—Simplified