Loving Accountability – inviting blows that sharpen
Proverbs 27:17 - As iron sharpens iron, So a man sharpens the countenance of his friend.
Hebrews 10:24-25 - And let us consider one another in order to stir up love and good works, not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as is the manner of some, but exhorting one another, and so much the more as you see the Day approaching.
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You need other people. It is a fact of life. You cannot live in purity without the help of others. You can try. But you cannot maintain what is necessary to live every day in sexual thought purity on your own. And there is no shame in this fact.
One of the best gifts God has given you is the relationship you have with other Christians. God wants you to be sharpened by the loving accountability of those closest to you. You must be willing to invite several people into your life who are allowed to offer critical evaluation of your attitudes and behaviors. You also must be free to review and challenge these individuals as well. This type of relationship will prove to be your most valuable in maintaining a lifestyle of purity.
Real accountability is not about gossip or shame. True brotherly love is caring enough about others to cry when they hurt, celebrate when they experience victory, and protect when they approach danger. You are not responsible for anyone else’s behavior, but you can be instrumental in helping support and encourage a struggling brother or sister.
Are you willing to invite people into your life who will love you enough to plainly tell you when you are doing wrong? If you do not invite such people into your life you will never experience lasting freedom from sexual sin the way God desires you to. You must invite loving blows that sharpen your character and strengthen your resolve against temptation.
Today’s Thought:
I need other people. I cannot face my struggles alone and expect to win. I need a team of people who will lovingly watch my lifestyle and correct me when I am headed for danger.
I need a handful of individuals who know everything about my specific struggle. They need to have access to my deepest secrets, my most intimate thoughts. I need people who are not afraid of making a difference in my life.
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