by Edie Melson @EdieMelson
Everywhere we turn fitness is all the rage. And the newest
twist on the trend—keeping track of our personal fitness.
Truthfully we do—the Holy Spirit.
3. Finally, as a
Christian who writes, I have an accountability group of fellow writers.
These women are my lifeline. The help me remember the gift of words that God
has given me, and that along with that gift, comes the responsibility to grow
and practice that gift.
So that you may walk worthy of the Lord, fully
pleasing to Him, bearing fruit in every good work and growing in the knowledge
of God. Colossians 1:10 (HCSB)
We’re wearing jewelry that tracks our steps, our heart rate,
and even how many stairs we climb. Beyond that, it reminds us when we need to
exercise or at least get up and move.
Thinking about all this accountability has turned my mind to
spiritual accountability. Wouldn’t it be amazing if we had something to track
our spiritual walk?
Can you imagine how helpful it would be if, when we slacked
off on spiritual fitness and discipline, there was something that would tell us
it was time to get back on track?
He’s always with us—to teach us, interpret Scripture and
circumstances, and remind us when we get off track. But He’s the ultimate
gentleman. He doesn’t force us back on the path, and if we ignore Him often
enough, He’ll just be quiet.
Beyond that important personal of the Trinity who lives
inside us, are those fellow believers that surround us. Scripture encourages us
to be accountable to one another. But we so often ignore that admonition. It’s
scary to be honest enough with someone else to enter into an accountability relationship.
Here is the way I
manage accountability in my life:
1. Personally, I have an
accountability partner. She’s a dear friend who loves me in spite of my
faults. I don’t feel judged by her—even when she reminds me that it’s time to
get back on track. It’s a precious relationship and one that I guard and take
care to nurture.
2. I also have an
accountability group. We began as a few women from my Sunday school class,
but it’s grown beyond that. We meet every Friday morning at a local coffee
shop. We share cares, concerns, and prayers. Those in the group encourage one
another, pray for one another, and go after members of the group who have
slacked off. We don’t hound each other, but we remind our fellow sisters that
we are loved, we are blessed, and we have a responsibility to stay strong in
our walk.
Accountability is good thing to stay physically healthy. It’s
even more important to have the same sort of accountability to stay in shape
spiritually.
