“Unless a person is born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God ” John 3:3. When we accept God as our Savior we experience a change of our heart, which is referred to as a birth or being born again. Once we are born again, we begin to experience spiritual growth. Just as a child cannot control the rate of their growth we cannot cause our spiritual growth. Our spiritual growth results from God working in our lives.  

“Stay with me and I'll stay with you. Just like branches can't bear fruit on their own unless they're attached to the vine, nether can you bear heavenly fruit unless you're attached to me. I am the true vine and you are my branches. If you remain in me and I remain in you, you will bear much fruit. Without me, you can't do a thing” John 15:4,5. In summary, if we are not connected to Christ, we will have no power to resist temptation or grow in grace

Often times we accept that Christ has forgiven our sins but then we feel that we must live a life without sin by our own efforts. Unfortunately, this effort will always fail. We will succeed by constantly abiding in Him every day, hour, and minute.  

One thing we shouldn't do is focus on self.   It is Satan's goal to divert our attention away from God and to focus on our faults.   The cares of this world, sorrows, worldly pleasures, the faults of others can cause this diversion.   We should allow ourselves to be lost in Jesus by talking and thinking about Him.   “I live; yet not I, the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave Himself for me” Galatians 2:20 .   “We're changed more and more into His image by the Holy Spirit working on our hearts”   2 Corinthians 3:18.