The Journey to a Life of Righteousness and Holiness
It’s one thing to understand the theological reasons behind why we, as Christians, walk in freedom; it’s a totally different journey to learn how to do this.
Despite what some might believe, there can be a gap between knowing the right thing and being able to do the right thing. The apostle Paul wrestles with this himself in Romans 7:15, “I do not understand what I do. For what I want to do I do not do, but what I hate I do.”
It’s important to recognize that knowing and doing are two distinct challenges. We can learn the theological reasons behind how Christians can walk in freedom, but learning how to walk in freedom requires an extensive set of practices and accompanying habits. We might learn why Christians walk in freedom on our own, but we will never be able to learn how to do so on our own.
Continuing the Journey: The Importance of Structured Support Groups
Solomon wisely said in Ecclesiastes 4, “Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their labor: If either of them falls down, one can help the other up. But pity anyone who falls and has no one to help them up.”
This highlights the importance of community in the pursuit of lasting freedom. Freedom is not achieved in isolation but rather through the help of others.
For those nearing the completion of their initial Freedom Fight group with less than six months of sustained freedom, it is imperative to continue meeting weekly in the same structured environment, whether a small group or with a dedicated accountability partner. This continuity solidifies the foundational practices and strategies being cultivated.
Building a New Lifestyle: Key Practices for Lasting Change
For individuals who have achieved more than six months of freedom and are approaching the conclusion of their group, several proactive steps are recommended. Joining another group (or continuing on with your current group, minus the leader) can be beneficial, as it provides ongoing support and accountability. Alternatively or additionally, one might consider leading or co-leading a new group, deepening their own recovery through service to others.
If you have more than six months of freedom, and your group is getting ready to end, I recommend a few things. First, if you have an opportunity and desire to join another group, it is always a great option to continue meeting with your group. Another option is to consider leading or co-leading a different group as this will help take your recovery to a new level of depth.
We cannot stress this enough: if you abandon the key lifestyle changes and practices you have built into your life while finding freedom and revert back to your old lifestyle, walking in freedom should not be expected.
Living in freedom for a lifetime requires you to live a new lifestyle. Paul says, “You were taught, with regard to your former way of life, to put off your old self, which is being corrupted by its deceitful desires; to be made new in the attitude of your minds; and to put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness.” Ephesians 4: 22-24
Paul is telling the Ephesians to put off the old self and put on the new self. Living in freedom requires a new life with a new level of vulnerability, confession, commitment, reliance on God, honesty, and humility.
We don’t think this means that everyone needs to be in a small group for the rest of their lives; although some people do, but we do believe everyone needs to continue to walk in their new identity and new lifestyle so they can run the race that God has for them in freedom.
Getting Practical
We have seen that after people put off the old and put on the new a new lifestyle emerges that often includes having boundaries for media, commitment to time with God, and building regular accountability and vulnerability into your life. One way this can be done every week is a “Weekly Accountability Report.” Here are a few sample questions that we have seen be helpful as people walk in freedom:
- Q) What is God teaching you from the word? Life in General?
- Q) How are you doing emotionally (BLASSTED)?
- Q) How is your personal purity? (thoughts, deeds, actions)
- Q) What are some prayer requests?
- Q) If you’re married or in a significant relationship, how has that been?
- Q) Anything to Confess/ Commitment to Change?
This weekly practice encourages transparency and provides an opportunity for an accountability partner to offer insight and challenge when necessary.
The Journey Ahead: Embracing Freedom in Christ for a Lifetime
Finding freedom from pornography is one of the hardest things most people will do. Freedom is possible and walking in freedom for a lifetime is possible, too. When transitioning from a FF group or another committed program, think through the key lifestyle practices you need to commit to and continue to help you walk in freedom for a lifetime so you can be set free to run the race that God has for you.
