Jeremiah 17:9-10

9 The heart is deceitful above all things
and beyond cure.
Who can understand it?

10 “I the LORD search the heart
and examine the mind,
to reward a man according to his conduct,
according to what his deeds deserve.”

Does the inherent sinful pull of my heart exist in order to make my seeking of the Lord that much more pleasing to Him?  If I can overcome a sinful heart and pursue the Lord then He knows my desire and it will have special meaning.  If I give in to my sinful disposition, then I only follow what is natural and there is no sacrifice in that.

The Lord wants me to put away sexual lust, anger, rebellion, deceit, and follow a tougher harder path.  It is easy to fall into the sins and temptation that surround me, it is an effort to strive for the Lord and all things good.  God wants me to work, only then will I show my true desire for Him.