When we hear about how we have a sinful nature and how we can't be good, it's easy to feel helpless and wonder, "so why even try?" But let's consider an analogy to a very similar weakness we have: the common cold.
Let's think about this - it's almost cliche' to refer to "finding the cure for the common cold". Truth is, with a normal immune system we always get over it, thus it's "cured", but the old cliche' is referring to wiping out the common cold altogether so that we never catch it again.
Well, that cure has not been found (and as a side note, our body's continual battle with a potential cold keeps us stronger, so that we're actually better off with colds than if they didn't exist. It's also a way to make us slow down once in a while when we've overworked ourselves to a weakened state.)
And so far, neither has the cure for sin. But just like we can be healthy and without a cold, so we can be sin-free. Lest someone is inclined to disagree, think about it - can you keep from sinning for a while, say while attending church or while in prayer? Sure you can. And you can go even longer than that. You don't have to feel helplessly addicted to sin, and you can be sin-free for periods of time.
Just as everyone will get a cold again some time, so we will all sin again sometime.
But just as we can take measures to protect against a cold, so also we can take steps to avoid sin. Funny thing is, some of the steps ARE EXACTLY THE SAME. You are much more likely to sin in a weakened state, such as lack of sleep, too much sugar, overworked to exhaustion, or exposure to those already sick (peer pressure to sin).
We can prioritize rest, maintain a healthy diet, and surround ourselves with people who uplift and encourage us. We can choose to live a life that honors God and pursue righteousness even though we'll sometimes need a little help.
