Holding ones self accountable

To the Editor:

I used to think, "how weak," to have a sponsor or an accountability partner.

To listen to advice or my wrong doing from someone else was absurd.

"I can handle it on my own," but always resulting in a repeated cycle of failure.

The Bible says in John 10:10, "The thief cometh not, but for to steal and to kill and to destroy; I come that they might have life and that they might have it more abundantly."

These thoughts such as "I don't need help," or "I can handle this," are straight deceptive, lies from Satan himself.

He's out to steal our joy. He's out to ruin our lives and to recognize the adversaries' ploys is the first step to victory.

We must take captive these thoughts and every high thing that exalts itself against the knowledge of God.

The truth is this: Iron sharpenth iron: So a man sharpenth the countenance of his friend.

I'll admit that the flesh may not want to hear it at times, but as I've learned to live in the spirit with a constant connection with God, I hear the truth. I see it and I feel it.

The weight that is lifted from being honest with oneself is the most incredible freedom and I would like to encourage any person struggling to get honest, to pray, and ask the Lord to help you discern the truth.

Part of this truth is a lifestyle change, and I'm not talking to just addicts, but anyone who is constantly miserable, distraught or living unhappily.

Proverbs 13:20: "He that walketh with wise men shall be wise; but a companion of fools shall be destroyed."

There are some great men and women in our community who I am proud to say are my wise men. I praise God for Kevin Eckiss, Jeff Stark, David Lewis, as well as Betty Clerk from Open Door Ministries.

My change came from brokenness and the prompting of the Holy Spirit. God knew I'd break when I did and His plan is to use me, but without my sponsors and accountability partners, I couldn't sustain.

I urge everyone to pay attention to who is in your life sharpening you, whether it is the church, husband or wife, praise God for them and utilize those relationships so that you might grow.

God will receive glory. You will receive blessings, happiness and joy.

Praise Jesus,

Shawn Weddle,

Greencastle