Accountability, yea I said it! The A Word no one wants to hear.
Over the last few weeks, I've been trying to figure out how accountability works in my life, my friends, family, clients, and the church.
I realized you can only keep people accountable that want to be held accountable. We're quick to say, "keep me accountable." But we don't really mean it. I've tried calling out family members and friends over the years after they've asked me to. If the person doesn't actually want it they'll make an excuse, tell me to let up, or become defensive.
Accountability is hard.
It makes you look at yourself and where you fall short.
Accountability is necessary.
It makes you look at yourself and where you fall short.
Growth requires accountability and that can suck for both parties. It's easier for me to say, "that's none of my business" or "they're grown." When I say these things, I am doing myself and that person a disservice. Accountability works when we insert ourselves into someone else's life. If we allow people to go about life and do as they please they will eventually hurt themselves or others. It can be easy to keep people accountable when it's related to making money or at work. But how about the way they treat their wife or how they honor authority. It can be hard to do but keeping others accountable is the way of the church. We are to live in community with one another and we're only as strong as our weakest link.
As I grow in my relationship with God I realize how much being held accountable is a part of that relationship. The Holy Spirit reminds me daily of the things I should or should not do. But I too can become defensive and ignore the Holy Spirit. I'm learning to allow the Holy Spirit to correct me and change my behavior and mindset accordingly.
Accountability is hard, yet necessary.
God is good y'all!