1 Peter 5:8 describes our enemy, the devil, as a ‘roaring lion, who walks around, seeking someone to devour.’ This passage is not just an effective picture of the realities of temptation, but an important warning to stick together. Sticking together is absolutely an essential part of addiction recovery. In order to be healed, we need to be transparent with one another. God created us to be in community and relationship
with not just him, but one another.
Those who struggle with addictive behaviors especially tend to have difficulty forming and maintaining accountable relationships. They resist accountability because it is contrary to the way they have become comfortable living; they live as rugged individualists. Most people with addiction don’t want to be held accountable and want to be the boss of their own recovery program.
But those who do not remain accountable to others do not recover. This is not just an issue of control; they are also hiding. Allowing another person access can leave one feeling somewhat naked or exposed. After hiding behind their masks for so long, they have convinced themselves that no one will truly accept them the way they are.
Accountability relationships should be supportive and encouraging, although many do not fully utilize the support available to them. It is not uncommon for people who have relapsed say that while they thought of calling their accountability partner for support, they didn’t. Sometimes they were afraid they would bother them, felt ashamed, or simply didn’t want to stop. This is stinking thinking! A support group was asked how they felt when they received a call for support from their accountability partner. Their answer . . . they actually felt important when they were asked for help. It not only helps the person calling, but strengthens the partner as well.
One of the best ways to train yourself to call your accountability partner for help is to practice. Call them when you have a victory. It is much easier to reach out when you feel victorious, rather than shamed. When you call before you are in trouble, it strengthens your confidence in the relationship. “As iron sharpens iron, so a friend sharpens a friend” Proverbs 27:17 NLT
