Why can I not break sin's stronghold?

Many of us have sins we both want and need to master, yet continue to allow them sway in our life. Why? The reason is that we see the Cross from a distance. When you see the cross up-close, it hurts and breaks you. When you see the cross from afar, it is important, but not nearly as personal. This is why we need to be sprinkled with the blood. Our sins are forgiven by the blood of Christ, but we need to be close enough to feel the anguish.