Guilt

Guilt can be as stern a motivator as any outward force; in many ways guilt is a more potent taskmaster than the confines of a job or even the assignments given you by others.  Obedience is very nearly the opposite of guilt-induced action.  Obedience involves submission while guilt is like an attempt to smother a fire that refuses to die completely.   

Other human beings may set a small fire of guilt either by manipulation or just through a sharing of difficult circumstances, and you then have a choice: either allow the flames to spread or smother them instantly by turning to the Lord for instruction.  You get into trouble when you take some action in an attempt to quench guilt in your own power. 

Abide in Grace

You are not to continue in sin so that grace may abound, but you must abide in grace before this is even a danger.  Prior to entering into grace, human beings attempt to attain freedom by their own efforts rather than through participation in the freedom purchased by Christ’s Blood.  Apart from the freedom of grace, complacency is not an issue;  the sin that needs repentance is trusting to your own strength rather than that of the Almighty God.