Keeping the Faith

Myra Anderson

Keeping the Faith: How accountability strengthens our walk with God

It’s no mystery of just how easy it can be to read the scriptures and become well versed in quoting them; However we are held to a higher standard when it comes to putting what we have been taught into action. It’s made plain for us in the text that God wants us to seek wisdom in all things, but also accountability is key even when we think it’s not important or “not that deep”. I personally believe these concepts were meant to challenge us, test our character, heart posture and our willingness to seek out and obey God’s will for our lives. 

Here are three ways to sustain accountability in building your relationship with your heavenly father.

1. Don’t be angry, Lean into the test

(James 1:2-4) – Consider it nothing but joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you fall into various trials. Be assured that the testing of your faith [through experience] produces endurance [leading to spiritual maturity and inner peace]. And let endurance have its perfect result and do a thorough work, so that you may be perfect and completely developed [in your faith], lacking in nothing.

Application: In this specific scripture, James is letting us know that we should honestly be thankful to go through test and trials! Now isn’t that something, I know i’m not the only one who struggles with giving thanks in hard times. It’s especially hard when it feels like those hard times are never going to cease. BUT, we are reassured in verse 3 that when our faith is being tested, it’s a sure sign that we are being matured mentally, emotionally and spiritually. Think of yourself as someone who’s beginning their journey of working out and getting back in the gym. The first week is always the easiest, you’re excited about getting in shape and being “summer time fine”; eating healthy seems like a breeze. But as you advance and learn about your body and what it needs, it becomes much more challenging to stay on track with eating habits, you soon start to despise leg day, every day gym sessions turn into “when you feel like it”; and let’s be real you start to say things like “I’m sure I can have a sweet snack, just one cheat day won’t hurt.” When we speak about our heavenly father and being guided by the holy spirit, we have to consider that when tests are being thrown our way, it isn’t always Satan pulling the strings. God will sometimes allow things to infiltrate our lives to see if we are learning his ways. He waits to see if we do what he has taught us or whether we go back to the ways of the world he has rescued us from. 

2. Ask for Clarity, Get Understanding

(James 1:5) – If any of you lacks wisdom [to guide him through a decision or circumstance], he is to ask of [our benevolent] God, who gives to everyone generously and without rebuke or blame, and it will be given to him.

Application: God created us in his image; most of us have heard this spoken in a sermon at some point in our lives, but let’s talk about it a bit deeper. When a mother gives birth, in most instances her natural desire is to protect her baby, care for them, and nurture them. As time passes by and the baby grows older, parents begin to encourage the child to work on certain developmental activities. They start to introduce healthy habits and break bad habits that may have formed with time. One example would be saying “mama and dada” leading with the expectation that the more they hear it the more they’ll want to say it. Another example would be introducing soft or solid foods that have healthier contents and weaning the child off of the mother’s breast or the contents of a bottle. Both of these examples give us a clear insight on what it looks like when God is wanting to show us a different way of operating as we mature in him. The only difference is we have the ability to ask questions in order to form an understanding and gain knowledge on what it is we are being led to do. Although it may feel and look different than what we are normally accustomed to, God’s intentions are for us to advance and grow out of our comfort zone so that we may elevate in our capacity to build his kingdom.

3. Praying > Worrying 

(James 1:6-8) – But he must ask [for wisdom] in faith, without doubting [God’s willingness to help], for the one who doubts is like a billowing surge of the sea that is blown about and tossed by the wind. For such a person ought not to think or expect that he will receive anything [at all] from the Lord, being a double-minded man, unstable and restless in all his ways [in everything he thinks, feels, or decides].

Application: God knows, God cares, and he has a plan! A huge part of this faith walk with our heavenly father, is believing that no matter what it looks like to the natural eye; his plan for our expected end is far more beautiful than we could ever imagine! In this life, we experience doubt daily. It’s no secret that the thoughts will come, and sometimes they will seem as if they are taking over. But the awesome thing about God, he never changes! Our heavenly father remains sovereign and he loves us enough to keep us from all hurt, harm and danger as we continue to hold on to his unchanging hand. Don’t be discouraged and don’t allow yourself to be tricked into feeling unworthy of all that God has promised. You’re totally worth it!!!