Photo By JennRene Owens
So, I have to preface this message: I belong to a group of women who help keep me accountable to myself, emotionally, mentally, spiritually, and present to my life. I thank God for them every day. We are definitely connected. I appreciate this kind of bond, because it has helped me to be a better woman of God.
A friend of mine, Madelyn Andrews recently presented this in our group, and I asked her to give this revelation to me to place on our blog. I am not sure everyone knows the benefits of being accountable to someone else, and being submitted to that process as an adult.
We all have someone in our lives we should be submitted to. It just helps us to GROW - and not just grow in those areas mentioned above, but there’s a call on our lives once we are in relationship with God – to GROW UP, and be mature.
My prayer is by reading this, you understand and value the need to communicate with others, especially over spiritual matters – or matters of the heart, and to not “go it alone”, when you are dealing with something. Even Moses, who could barely speak, and led an entire nation of people, had an accountability partner! Now, I must say, not everyone is willing to have an accountability person and be submitted to someone else, because some of us live a life of secrets and we emote in our secret pain”, and have pity parties or vices’ that we don’t want anyone to know about.
Madelyn encourages us, here – to open our trench coats, and be naked - if but for a minute, so we can be exposed and glean knowledge about how to change. If you think about it, even from the Beginning – God made us naked. And it was not until until Adam and Eve sinned, they even realized this was a fact.
Ecclesiastes 4:9-10, 12 The Message Bible (MSG)
“It’s better to have a partner than go it alone.
Share the work, share the wealth.
And if one falls down, the other helps,
But if there’s no one to help, tough!
By yourself you’re unprotected.
With a friend you can face the worst.
Can you round up a third?
A three-stranded rope isn’t easily snapped.”
Proverbs 27:17 Message Bible
You use steel to sharpen steel, and one friend sharpens another.
‘Ala Carte’ – (defined) – meaning separate price for each item. Unlimited choices; some items on menu are worth more than others to YOU. (freedom dictionary)
Accountability - (defined) – obligation or willingness to accept responsibility or to account for one’s actions . (dictionary quote)
What is Ala Carte Accountability?
Ala Carte Accountability – When YOU decide what you will be accountable for to God and to those you are assigned to be accountable to. You avoid confronting what you still enjoy doing.
Evidence of Ala Carte Accountability thinking?
1. You are not ready to be confronted on that issue.
2. You feel that issue is not as serious as some others you are dealing with so you don’t choose it, like an item on a buffet table you don’t really have a taste for.
Results of (Walking In) Ala Carte Accountability
1. Inconsistency in your walk with God and service to others. You are unable to commit fully because you have one foot in Egypt and the other in the Promised Land. (Matthew 6:24) “You cannot serve two masters…you will hate one and love the other or you will be devoted to one and despise the other.”
2. Unreliability – because your commitment is based upon your feelings at the time of your assignment.
3. Inability to grow or Be transparent – you can’t change what you won’t confront.
Conquering Ala Carte Accountability:
1. Call your accountability partner, (and you should have one.) (James 5:16 – Confess your sins one to another…pray for one another that you may be healed.)
2. We cannot want you to be accountable more than you want to be held accountable. Take responsibility. Make progress not excuses.
3. Step up. Your decisions or lack of affect more than just you. They impact the people you are called to lead.
Definitely a mature word, huh? (I told you.) Thanks, Madelyn!