I’ve never actually been to a Weight Watchers meeting, but I remember hearing about them back in the day. They were popular because the weekly in-person sessions gave dieters the opportunity to weigh in, encourage each other, and receive motivation and advice. I imagine this support played a key role in the success of sincere members. Many of us today utilize fitness apps where we can track our diet and exercise. My husband is a runner and likes to use the Strava app to log his miles and see the progress of fellow runners. What these things have in common is an opportunity to check in (or a needed reminder to show up). A little bit of accountability can make a big difference in reaching our goals.
If our particular goals were easy, we wouldn’t really need an app, would we? We wouldn’t need the motivation or accountability. We usually want these things in place because we know there will be times when we just don’t feel like doing what we’re supposed to.
I’m just going to say this. Sometimes resisting temptation is hard. There are times when I feel selfish or really feel like things should be done my way. There are times when my pride refuses to back down. My mouth really runs riot with complaining or criticizing if I’m not guarding my speech. Sometimes my zeal for soul-winning fizzles out. And sometimes it’s just hard to resist fleshly sins if there’s something I want and I don’t practice self-denial.
I once heard temptation compared to a donut for a dieter. There will be days the dieter can resist the donut with no problem. He’s feeling strong so it’s easy to say, “No, thanks!” He’ll happily reach for an apple instead. But what about those days when all he can think about is that donut? It’s hard, hard, hard to resist. I can see how sin is like that. When I’m feeling strong, it’s not such a big deal. But when I’m feeling weak, I can surprise myself with how easy it is to give in. No wonder the apostle Paul wrote, “Therefore let anyone who thinks that he stands, take heed lest he fall” (1 Cor. 10:12)!
There can be many factors at play when temptation seems harder to resist. Perhaps I haven’t been diligent in personal Bible study and prayer, so my spiritual armor isn’t in place. Or maybe I’m experiencing a season of discouragement or frustration or exhaustion or disappointment. It’s easy to see how I could make things harder for myself spiritually. It’s just as easy to see how I could make things better for myself spiritually: time soaking in God’s Word, time spent in prayer, and time spent with God’s people.
God knew we would need a place of accountability and He provided it for us, a place among His people. How wonderful that, multiple times a week, we have an opportunity to show up and weigh in, if you will. To receive motivation, encouragement, and advice. To be surrounded by like-minded people who have the very same goals. And to humbly ask for help and prayers when we’re weak and either giving in or giving up.
Paul went on to say, “No temptation has overtaken you that is not common to man. God is faithful, and he will not let you be tempted beyond your ability, but with the temptation he will also provide the way of escape, that you may be able to endure it” (1 Cor. 10:13). I don’t know what I’d do without my weekly spiritual weigh-ins. There’s something fortifying about gathering with other Christians to praise God and grow together. We see each other’s struggles and life-challenges. We pray for each other and hold each other accountable in the very best way.
Think about that special moment at the end of every gospel message in worship. “If anyone needs to come…” It’s a personal invitation to receive prayers and encouragement. I get to do a heart-check every time. Do I need help resisting temptation? Is my faith growing cold? Am I in a valley, or feeling spiritually weak?
“Let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near.”
(Hebrews 10:24-25)