January 14, 2024 was one year of accountability for me. I am so thankful and grateful that I found a friend who would walk through the ups and downs. One who would rejoice and say, "Great Job" when I checked in with a ✅ and would encourage me when I checked in with a ❎. In the good and rough times, my friend continued the journey with me. She didn't bail.
I encourage anyone who wants to have accountability whether to start a good habit or quit a sinful one , to know this going forward.
Don't just pick a buddy or a friend just because you talk to them all the time.
If you are wanting to work on quitting a sinful habit or addiction, you don't need to try to be accountable to someone who will not see the seriousness of sin. It will be harder for you , if that person's only encouragement is Jesus understands, and He will forgive. While this is is true, you need someone who will help you take responsibility for your actions, not excuse behavior. We should never have a desire to take advantage of God's grace and mercy toward our sinful rebellion. A child of God who is actively seeking to please the Lord and honor Him, will not enjoy sin. They will begin to hate sin and anything that the Lord hates, and love what He loves, as the Lord works in their lives.
2. No month of the year was fully perfect.
No month of the year was fully perfect without a fall. If you record your check ins (see other accountablilty blog posts for more information) you can see how many days you are relying on God's power and strength and the others where you didn't. I began to see the time between the falls lengthen.
3. You begin to realize the Truth of your moment by moment need of God.
Without knowing Jesus as Lord and Savior, and the Holy Spirit within you there is no hope to overcome sin. God promised a way of escape from giving into temptation , but your relationship with God is important. Without a desire to seek Him, and spend time with God, then not only will you lack important wisdom and knowledge of His Word, but you will not seek His advice , the prepared way of escape He has for you. If you know Jesus as Lord , then you are no longer a slave to sin, you have the freedom to say no to sin, and yes to God in active obedience.
1 Corinthians 10:12-13
12 Therefore let him who thinks he stands be careful that he doesn’t fall.
13 No temptation has taken you except what is common to man. God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted above what you are able, but will with the temptation also make the way of escape, that you may be able to endure it.
4. Do your part.
Even if you must pray multiple times a day, to escape the sin. Do not expect an escape without action on your part. Meaning don't listen to the music that triggers your anger. Don't listen to alcoholic / depressive songs if you are depressed. If you struggle with sexual desires, don't keep access to those shows and movies that trigger you. Don't feed the habits that you are trying to stop. Don't expect God to act miraculously, as if when you were in school trying to past a test , without studying . That's not God's way often times. Which is why we are told to carve out, be intentional about learning from the Lord.
2 Timothy 2:15-16, 19-26
15 Give diligence to present yourself approved by God, a workman who doesn’t need to be ashamed, properly handling the Word of Truth. 16 But shun empty chatter, for it will go further in ungodliness, ....
19 However, God’s firm foundation stands, having this seal: “The Lord knows those who are his,”*and, “Let every one who names the name of the Lord‡ depart from unrighteousness.”
20 Now in a large house there are not only vessels of gold and of silver, but also of wood and of clay. Some are for honor and some for dishonor. 21 If anyone therefore purges himself from these, he will be a vessel for honor, sanctified, and suitable for the master’s use, prepared for every good work.
22 Flee from youthful lusts; but pursue righteousness, faith, love, and peace with those who call on the Lord out of a pure heart. 23 But refuse foolish and ignorant questionings, knowing that they generate strife. 24 The Lord’s servant must not quarrel, but be gentle toward all, able to teach, patient, 25 in gentleness correcting those who oppose him. Perhaps God may give them repentance leading to a full knowledge of the truth, 26 and they may recover themselves out of the devil’s snare, having been taken captive by him to do his will.
5. If you fall/ fail don't despair
The struggle after a few days of victory , is the fall. If you fall after three days, two weeks, a month etc. Get back up , repent and remember each day given is a new day. The enemy will often try to keep those defeated thoughts in your mind , so you wonder what the point is. Why even try anymore...
Remember Romans 8:1
There is therefore now no condemnation to those who are in Christ Jesus, who don’t walk according to the flesh, but according to the Spirit.†
Philippians 1:6
being confident of this very thing, that he who began a good work in you will complete it until the day of Jesus Christ.
God knew before the foundation of the world , and Jesus knew our every struggle before He came to earth. God still desires to make us Holy like Jesus , and His Will, will be completed in the end , if we know Jesus as Lord and Savior. Our Redemption and Salvation depends on God alone . This is our Hope :
Jude 1: 17-25
17 But you, beloved, remember the words which have been spoken before by the apostles of our Lord Jesus Christ. 18 They said to you, “In the last time there will be mockers, walking after their own ungodly lusts.” 19 These are those who cause divisions and are sensual, not having the Spirit.
20 But you, beloved, keep building up yourselves on your most holy faith, praying in the Holy Spirit. 21 Keep yourselves in God’s love, looking for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ to eternal life. 22 On some have compassion, making a distinction, 23 and some save, snatching them out of the fire with fear, hating even the clothing stained by the flesh.
24 Now to him who is able to keep them† from stumbling, and to present you faultless before the presence of his glory in great joy, 25 to God our Savior, who alone is wise, be glory and majesty, dominion and power, both now and forever. Amen.
Our Lord and Savior will make us ready and pure to stand before God the Father. While we are waiting for the full fulfillment of that Hope and Future, get to know the Lord and seek to honor Him. I long to hear those words from the Lord, "Well done!" Our relationship with God should be a continuation of what started on earth, not the beginning unless it was a death bed conversion. No, sin will be allowed in eternity with God, so we might as well work to remove the sinful habit from our lives , before He forcabily removes it . We need to learn to obey and learn to listen to our King now, not just under His Rule and Reign in eternity physically. We who are truly in God's family are already a part of God's Kingdom, both His children and servants. We need to use our earthly journey to prepare for the moment we step into His Kingdom physically. The King is coming soon! Are we ready?
*All scripture is from the World English Bible
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