We are all created in the image of God. Therefore, there is a God-nature in us and a human nature. Because we are human, it takes less effort to obey the latter. When someone insults us, it is more natural to retort back with some sarcastic comment. It oftentimes, even feels good to do so, at least at that moment. There are many things that we do or consume because they make us feel good for a fleeting moment, even if we know what unpleasant consequences await us on the other side. There is always a battle within us between our God-nature and human-nature. Our lives would be better and happier if we let our God-nature dominate. What springs out of our God-nature is what the Bible refers to as the "fruits of the Spirit" in Galatians 5:22; these are: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, self-control, gentleness, and faithfulness. St. Agustine said, “Conquer yourself and the world lies at your feet.” Once we conquer our human nature, the world indeed lies at our feet. We can do what we know leads to true and lasting happiness and contentment. The only way to win this battle is to feed our minds with thoughts that nurture our God-nature. In Philippians 4:8, the Bible teaches us to think of these things -- "whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable, and anything that is excellent or praiseworthy." Our heart's desires are born out of the thoughts that fill our minds. The mouth then speaks what the heart is full of. What we constantly hear ourselves speak about is what we eventually will believe is what is right and true. Our beliefs then form our habits and behaviors. I make time to pray on a regular basis. I do pray a lot, but it is NOT because I am holy. It is because I MUST win this battle between my God-nature and human nature.