The Familiar Stranger

My wife taught me a great lesson about just being honest when we were in Bible College. We went to school in the Washington D.C. area. I had gone to two different high schools there, and being a class clown, had gotten to be known by many. To both our surprise, time and time again someone would come up to me at a store or on the subway and say “ Nate, Nate Leigh, it’s good to see you!” I would pretend to know them - I was embarrassed that I did not, and I felt they might be hurt. After they would leave Dee would ask who was that? I said I did not know. She said I should just be honest and that way I would at least learn their name. One night my wife decided to teach me a lesson. My friend Tom’s brother, who I had never met, was visiting. I was stuck working on a painting job I had, Dee was at a student fellowship with all my friends. I was on scaffolding when this guy came into the building and called to me. He said it was great to see me. I looked and did not recognize him, but I pretended and said it was good to see him. Then he told me a story about us golfing; I remembered everything about the story…except him! Then he told me a story that I was sure was only between me and one other guy! When he asked me if I remembered I said yes, but I don’t remember you being there. Then he said, “you don’t remember me, do you?” Fumbling for something I said, “your voice sounds familiar!” I know…but I was desperate!  Then he told me a story that happened only with me, myself and I. By now I had climbed down from the scaffolding and was in a daze realizing that I had forgotten my best friend for life!!!  In walked my wife and Tom. This “familiar stranger” yelled “ DD, DD” She yelled back “Chipper” – that’s when I went into panic attack – praying as hard as I could “ Chipper, Chipper, Oh Lord I don’t remember a Chipper, Help me Lord”. 

After pointing out that I had actually introduced Dee to him, my lovely wife and Tom said “Gotcha!” Dee had filled Chipper in on all the details of my life; he was Tom’s brother! Since that time, if you recognize me and shake my hand, you will quickly hear me say, “ I am sorry I have forgotten your name and how do we know each other!!!"

Difficult as it may be, accountability brings growth! As we finish looking at principles that help conquer destructive habits, let’s review what we have looked at already: 

[1] Engraft scripture into your life and make it personal
[2] Importance of mental state:  Reckon sin powerless
[3] Remove temptations
[4] Understand how sin works!

As I stated before – this principle is the cement to your commitment toward victory. We were created to live in community, not on a deserted island. Accountability should not be a stranger to us. Many say they want to be free, but they bring question to that commitment because they refuse this principle.

[5] Become Accountable 

Romans 15:14 And concerning you, my brethren, I myself also am convinced that you yourselves are full of goodness, filled with all knowledge, and able also to admonish one another.  

Proverbs 27:17 Iron sharpens iron, So one man sharpens another.  

Nothing brings a greater sense of ownership to a commitment to see victory over a destructive habit, than bringing members of the family into that decision. They will remove rationalizations and excuses. They will bring encouragement and prayer to the battle with you.  If you have no one close enough to you to keep you accountable, that is a testimony to lack of discipleship. 

Lastly: 

[6] Learn to listen to the Spirit 

This only comes by spending time in fellowship with Him. In everything we do, we can fellowship with Him. Obviously, prayer and reading the Word are essential, but there is much more than that. If we become friends with the Spirit of God, we will develop the proper sensitivity to hear Him. He will warn us of danger when it comes to habits, and He will bring to our mind the Scriptures we have stored and will show us how to use them in our battle. 

1 Cor. 3:16 Do you not know that you are a temple of God, and that the Spirit of God dwells in you?  

Romans 8:15-17 For you have not received a spirit of slavery leading to fear again, but you have received a spirit of adoption as sons by which we cry out, "Abba! Father!"  [16] The Spirit Himself bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God,  [17] and if children, heirs also, heirs of God and fellow heirs with Christ, if indeed we suffer with Him in order that we may also be glorified with Him.  

In closing, it is very important that we keep our eye on the real issue. It is not really about us – it is about Him! Do we shame Him? 

Hebrews 6:4-6 For in the case of those who have once been enlightened and have tasted of the heavenly gift and have been made partakers of the Holy Spirit,  [5] and have tasted the good word of God and the powers of the age to come,  [6] and then have fallen away, it is impossible to renew them again to repentance, since they again crucify to themselves the Son of God, and put Him to open shame.  

This becomes a very powerful motivator…our love for Christ and His name! 

Meditation Questions: Is there anyone in your life that holds you accountable? If so, are you really letting them in? If not, why? Do you think it is easier to fight a battle alone or with help? When was the last time you talked with someone about habits and failures in your life? How would you describe your relationship with the Holy Spirit? What does an average day with the Holy Spirit look like? What could you do to make it look better?