Undercover or Overcomer?

One of the greater promises of the New Testament is the victory verses of 1 John 5:4-5

For whatever is born of God overcomes the world. And this is the victory that has overcome the world—our faith.  Who is he who overcomes the world, but he who believes that Jesus is the Son of God?

Without a doubt, God wants those that embrace His Son to be victorious over sin and the world.  That leaves me to ask this question:

If God's desire is for his children is to be victorious, then why are so many Christians living a defeated life? 

 The answer appears to be in these two words: Our faith -- or the lack of faith!  Many professing Christians are not living a triumphant life because they are trying to live a hidden life.  They are not overcomers because they are undercover!  You cannot tell a difference between their life and a nonbeliever's life -- Not in their talk nor their action nor their demeanor! They are secret agent Christians.  Without the occasional Sunday morning church service, they blend in with the world and do not walk by faith ( 2 Corinthians 5:7).

Ask any sports coach how important it is for his team to believe they can win, and he'll assure you that it is very important.  To conquer temptations and live above the world, you must believe you can win.  An alcoholic will never beat the addiction if he or she doesn't believe they can. A Christian never experience the abundant life without believing he or she can do so. 

Take hold of the promises of God's word and stop hiding.  Live by faith the promises. Because:

 You are of God, little children, and have overcome them, because He who is in you is greater than he who is in the world.  1 John 4:4 (NKJV)