Make yourself accountable to someone. Whenever you feel the pressure building to return to an old, destructive habit, it’s good to have a ‘buddy’ to call on, who can help you get back on track. And it’s scriptural; Galatians 6:2 reminds us that we should ‘share each other’s burdens’ (NLT). If you’re struggling, find someone who’ll check up on you, pray with you, and encourage you in areas where you want more self-control. ‘Two people can resist an attack that would defeat one person alone’ (Ecclesiastes 4:12 GNT). Having someone there to hold you accountable can be tough, but it definitely helps. So what should you look for in a ‘buddy’? First, you should look for someone you can trust to follow through with their commitment to you – someone who is faithful. Second, look for someone who’ll keep your problem confidential. Don’t choose someone who’s likely to tell the whole world about your struggle. Third, you’ll probably have to share intimate and personal details with your buddy, so make sure they’re someone who won’t be judgmental, or who won’t take your problem seriously. Fourth, choose someone who you can rely on to check up on you from time to time and ask, ‘How are you doing with your problem?’ Knowing that someone will be asking about it is an extra incentive not to give in to temptation, and it might just be the extra push you need to get you on the right track to overcoming your problem and finding self-control.

What Now?

If you’re struggling with temptation, try and find yourself an accountability buddy. If you’re not sure who to ask, maybe your pastor or youth leader could suggest someone. Or if you know someone who’s struggling, why not offer to be their buddy?