I believe that accountability is something you exercise if you want it in your life. It’s not up to the people you are accountable to, to make sure you are doing what you said you would do. If you really want to grow and be accountable you will be the primary initiator in the relationship. No amount of accountability will make you the person you don’t want to be.
This week at my lifegroup I was challenged to live in the present because that is where God is. So I made a commitment to my lifegroup to spend a few moments in the midst of the busyness of my life just to be. I promised to be intentional about being and not only consumed with doing. In order for this accountability to be effective I have to bring these ladies into my life. I have to make them a part of my successes and my failures. So, I take the initiative tell them the ways in which I am keeping my word.
I thought I would share my little journey with you too…
Yesterday in the middle of cleaning the house, preparing for a friend to come for lunch and wanting to check up on some email, I put the dusting cloth down (literally) and sat down on the couch. The girls were upstairs playing together and I went to grab my Bible to read it. But immediately I felt impressed not to read at that time but just to sit. Just to be, just to live in that moment with God. I said to God… Here I am… and then I closed my eyes and just sat. It was hard not to read my Bible or even put on some worship music but I felt like those were "doing" something and I wanted to practice just being.
Then this morning I sat down at my computer to begin to knock off the list of things I have to get to today and before I opened the lid I sat down on the couch again. I took some deep cleansing breaths and I practiced just being. I picked up my Bible after a few minutes and was led to read the Songs of Solomon. I can feel my heart opening up and my spirit awakening to a new sense of closeness to God. I can’t explain it exactly but I am aware that He is with me. I am consciously aware that He is with me in this moment, in the present.
There is a difference to living in the present as opposed to living in the future, which is where I usually am. I like it… There is tremendous power in exercising accountability. When we do life with other people, when we allow them in and when we take the initiative to allow those people to spur us on to grow we appropriate Christ’s power through them.
I know that I would not be where I am today without my lifegroup, they are my friends and I cherish each one that I have had the opportunity to know through a small group experience.
Are you a go getter when it comes to accountability? Do you wait for others to come to you or are you willing to share you life with them? Are you a part of a small group?
I understand the difficulty in being still. I know ‘how’ to do it, I’m just not very good at it. I belong to an amazing lifegroup
a group of women who share from the depths far beneath the surface of this world, a group of women who are continuously searching how to seek the deeper things of God. I always feel filled and refreshed after spending time in REAL relationships.
Love the blog entry, and I’m inspired to just ‘be’. I like accountability, it’s the key to success and victory. Must run, but just wanted you to know it’s fantastic. nicolle
Wow. I have to admit I don’t read your blog as often as I should. Today, you touched the very reason why I wake up in the night. Accountability… we could all talk the talk but once we make the first step to walk the walk it can be very overwhelming. I questioned not only every move I make but every step I took. In the middle of the night, I lay and pray and ask for forgiveness. It’s hard. This morning I was crying and my husband was worried. I reassured him that crying does mean I have broken hard but also let’s God light come in and repair. Thank you Lori for all you are. Your blogs do touch me and help me.
Christine
I have realized that alone, I have ZERO ability to make it through life. I made dumb choices, I misunderstand and misinterpret things…. I NEED people around me to take me down a notch or two on a consistent basis. I have an amazing support system who tell me the TRUTH even when it is hard. I am a better person because of it… and the good news is, the more truth thatgets poured into my life, the more I learn the right way, and the more I get it before they have to tell me…
I believe in being accountable and I ask people to help me to be accountable. I do belong to a small group where the ladies are honest and open. This makes accountability and sharing a lot easier. I find being still difficult because when I’m still my mind goes into all different directions and before I know it the moment is gone. I’m still working on it though. Your comment on saying “Here I am ” gives me a good idea though. Perhaps if I open my bible close my eyes and say “Here I am Lord ” that may do the trick – Must try it tonight.
“I believe that accountability is something you exercise if you want it in your life. ”
And spouses don’t count. It is a good way to ensure you have Godly friends in your life.
Lori, you never cease to amaze me! I know their are others like me, who probably would not have many friends, if we were not the initiator. (Someone has to do it) Lasting friendships do not just happen and are not easy to come by – you have to go get em!
Find someone who can help you be more than you are; someone who knows the word of God; someone who loves life; someone who is successful ; someone who will pray with you and for you; someone filled with the love of Christ, unconditional love and always a positive attitude. That may even have to be 4 or 5 different people!! (Sounds like a WHOLE LIFEGROUP) Surround yourself with these kind of people and determine to love them unconditionally; never dwell on their faults, and speak to their potential. It will come back to you 100 fold. One of the greatest joys in life can come from healthy friendships. This is the only thing we can take to heaven with us!! Relationships! I’ll guarantee you will have a healthier homelife because you will feel whole! The whole body, working together for the purpose of the Kingdom. Loving God, Loving others! Find a church (Life Centre & Life Groups are Amazing) Go Get EM!