Accountability. It's a never ending discussion simply because we cannot agree on what it looks like or who is accountable to whom. We project self imposed rules on others and expect them to meet the expectation because we have "said so". Silly.
God's rules are very important, but not because they are rules. They are important because God loves us more than we know and His plan is really best for us. Simply put, His rules rule. Not as a dictator but as a kind loving parent who wants our future to be bright.
Being accountable to Him is often less painful than being accountable to a person. Why? Because people (all of us) are sinful, judgmental and decidedly selfish even on our best day. There is also a beauty in the freedom of accountability to God. He does not condemn when we err or step out of line for a moment or even two. People, filtering our lives through their own experience, (including me), apply incorrect motivations and purposes to someones actions.
Consider raising a child or your own upbringing. There are times when we let go of our children yet they succeed and survive well without our "accountability" (age appropriate). It's a beautiful feeling to see your child get up and go to class without you waking them up every day. It's awesome to watch them choose wisely whom they will date or what job they will work. All without us deciding for them. It is amazing to watch when your child stumbles and cries, but then gets back up and moves forward. I love it! How much more God must love when we learn and proceed in a similar manner.
God never meant for us to "babysit" each other. He created a world to be free to love, serve and honor Him by choice, not by intimidation. Accountability does not mean we dictate to each other. It is an encouraging relationship where love has been nurtured, trust has grown and we are free to love each other along the path of God.
Challenge for today: Allow freedom in your relationships. You are not always right. Stick with your established and well thought through standards for your life, share in a loving way and allow your accountability partner to choose their own path without condemnation or judgment. After all, God loves them far more than you do.
God's rules are very important, but not because they are rules. They are important because God loves us more than we know and His plan is really best for us. Simply put, His rules rule. Not as a dictator but as a kind loving parent who wants our future to be bright.
Being accountable to Him is often less painful than being accountable to a person. Why? Because people (all of us) are sinful, judgmental and decidedly selfish even on our best day. There is also a beauty in the freedom of accountability to God. He does not condemn when we err or step out of line for a moment or even two. People, filtering our lives through their own experience, (including me), apply incorrect motivations and purposes to someones actions.
Consider raising a child or your own upbringing. There are times when we let go of our children yet they succeed and survive well without our "accountability" (age appropriate). It's a beautiful feeling to see your child get up and go to class without you waking them up every day. It's awesome to watch them choose wisely whom they will date or what job they will work. All without us deciding for them. It is amazing to watch when your child stumbles and cries, but then gets back up and moves forward. I love it! How much more God must love when we learn and proceed in a similar manner.
God never meant for us to "babysit" each other. He created a world to be free to love, serve and honor Him by choice, not by intimidation. Accountability does not mean we dictate to each other. It is an encouraging relationship where love has been nurtured, trust has grown and we are free to love each other along the path of God.
Challenge for today: Allow freedom in your relationships. You are not always right. Stick with your established and well thought through standards for your life, share in a loving way and allow your accountability partner to choose their own path without condemnation or judgment. After all, God loves them far more than you do.
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