A Time to Kill

I have encountered several readings and sermons all focused on one topic recently: The active slaying of Sin in one's life. Hmmm, much to be pondered.
So often we assume the Holy Spirit will just cleanse us of our stains and sin all we di is sit back to let Him do the work. Or, worse yet, we keep moving on and assume He'll keep up with us and work His "magic" in our subconscious. Many "Christian Teachers" seem to portray the Holy Spirit as a fairy god-mother who waves her magic wand and poof, no more struggles with sin. Poof, no need to search the scriptures for how to discipline your children, it's all in your head and will magically spill out when the time comes. Poof, your husband automatically knows how to communicate perfectly with you because he now knows your thoughts (at least the ones you want him to know). Poof, you no longer struggle with chocolate or questionable TV shows. Just let go and let God.
However, that is not reality, is it? We are repeatedly told in Scripture that we have an active role to play in the abolition of sin in our lives. Our pastor preached on Romans 8:12-13 this past Sunday and made some excellent points. "So then, brothers, we are debtors, not to the flesh, to live according to the flesh. For if you live according to the flesh you will die, but if by the Spirit you put to death the deeds of the body, you will live." As Christians, we are told to put to death, slay, mortify, kill sin. God doesn't view sin lightly. He hates it. Jesus tells us, in the sermon on the mount, to pluck out our eye or cut off our hand if they cause us to sin. He even says that our thoughts alone, even without action, are sin. Jesus came and died because of our sin. Shouldn't we then view it to the same extent that He does?
And the great news is that we aren't expected to muster up enough will power to do all this on our own! No, Jesus went to the Father and sent the Holy Spirit to be our helper. To guide us into all truth. To convict us of sin, and to enable us to overcome sin. The Holy Spirit reminds us of scripture which we then use to help us turn from sin. He convicts us of our thoughts that are unholy. And He brings us to repentance. Oh what a wonderful gift, to have the living God dwelling in us. With us every second, reminding us of Jesus and the cross, reminding us of forgiveness, mercy, and hope. But yes, it takes effort on our part also. For we must fill our minds with scripture, we must respond when the Spirit convicts us of sin. We must turn our eyes from evil. And yes, it's only by the Grace of God that we even have a desire to do these things. The desire to flee from evil, to read the Bible, to spend time in prayer. These desires are all gifts from God the Father. And what father would give his son a stone when he asks for bread.
Lord, teach us to hate sin as you do. Grant us the desire to follow hard after You. And thank you for Your Holy Spirit who is always with us.