Day 7
Friday, March 12
The Way Through Seclusion
Accountability is a big topic. Do a quick Google search, and you’ll find a whole lot of people are asking things like: What is personal accountability? What does the Bible say about accountability? Having personal accountability means you take ownership of your choices, behaviors, and actions. It is a commitment you make to yourself and to God. God advises us to find an accountability partner—one who will hold us accountable to keep our commitments.
A few years back, my coworker and I got the same FitBits to hold one another accountable to clocking in 10,000 steps a day. Having a job where we primarily are sitting, we decided it was in our best health interest to begin walking on our lunch break to reach our goal. This was great because I had her there to hold me accountable and I had my watch, which now buzzed when I needed to get up and move. But then came winter...and the excuses started rolling in. It was only through having each other(and each other’s best interests in mind)that we decided to put on a bigger coat and go out for a walk.
It is always easier to follow through with your commitments when you have a support partner. We read in the book of Daniel about three men who stood together, supporting one another and holding one another accountable to God’s commands. Imagine yourself in that situation. Now imagine that it was just you... alone. You would be the only one who was not bowing down because of your faith. You would be the only one being disciplined for not obeying King Nebuchadnezzar. For me, I imagine it would be a lot harder to not just go ahead and bow down than it would be if I had two other believers standing with me.
Having an accountability partner is not just for times when you are really struggling; this relationship is meant to keep you accountable at all times. An accountability partner is someone who is going to tell you when you are at fault or when you have traveled off course. This should be someone you highly trust, respect, and with whom you share the same faith. Accountability is important because one day, each of us will give an account of ourselves to God.
-Kayla Suggs
Bible Reading for the Day:
Think and Act:
1. Where in your life do you see that you need the most accountability?
2. Who are two people you can identify to help hold you accountable to your commitments?