Committed. This is an uncomfortable word for most of us. It is not the easiest word to want to base our lives around, yet it is foundational in seeing freedom come in our lives. The culture around us can often make commitment out to be a trap, inviting us instead to be spontaneous, to go with whatever our feelings suggest to us. Culture says no accountability is freedom, yet we have experienced and believe a joy-filled life and one of growth and purpose is one based in community with accountability. Recovery and healing take intentionality–it won’t just happen. It takes commitment to stay the course for the long term, even when we don’t feel like working through our ‘stuff.’ It takes accountability, meaning letting others into the journey with you, ones that you know and trust to keep you focused and on the right path.
This point in the journey is to ensure we put into practice, daily, what all the previous steps have revealed and taught us. We don’t have to let daily life issues have control over us, instead, we learn to filter them through the lens of the new perspectives and practices we have gained. Committed means that we will continue to take a personal inventory, allowing God to reveal our actions and attitudes that are still harming others. We desire to be in right relationship with others, which means we have to be committed to the work of recovery in our lives, allowing the Holy Spirit to continue his patient and loving work in us.
In community we are constantly going to be refined, as living with others and having relationships is challenging no matter who you are. However, when this place of community and belonging is filled with God’s peace, purpose and love, there is truly no place we would rather be. So how do you set aside time to let God examine your heart so you can keep short accounts with him and others? To whom can you be accountable in this incredible journey of life? Champions, freedom within comes from simply practicing the daily routines of surrender and honesty with God and others. Easier said than done, we know, but we’re here to encourage and champion you onwards today!