Sunday 28 September 2014

The power of accountability

I am not sure if it is just because I am a competitive person or whether it is because of the brilliance of the idea, but I am so enjoying using the "Nike Running App". How is works is that you download the Application (App) onto your phone and then you get some friends to do the same on their phones. Then every time you go for a run/walk, the App records your run and the time it took you to do your exercise. You can then keep tabs on your friends and they can do the same for you. You can even set challenges for each other, which is a wonderful way of spurring each other on.

I think that in our Christian lives we need people to keep us accountable to the "spiritual exercises" we should be doing. This shouldn't be done to brag about what we are doing, but rather as a means to hold each other accountable to our disciplines of faith. You see I think we become slack in our faith, too easily and we can hide our true "spiritual exercises" from one another. If I knew that you were going to hold me accountable for my daily devotions, prayer times, worship, giving and service, then I may be more committed to doing it.

So, here is the big question. Who is keeping you accountable in your spiritual journey? Do even feel that you are OK without someone in your life urging you forward? I strongly believe that when we go it alone, then we end up in dangerous territory. There is immense power in accountability.

Practical exercise: Try and find a person, group or even an App to keep you moving forward in your faith. Spiritual exercise is even more important than physical exercise!

Hebrews 4:13 Nothing in all creation is hidden from God. Everything is naked and exposed before his eyes, and he is the one to whom we are accountable.

Living in Grace
D3LM3

2 comments:

John van de Laar said...

Thanks for this, Delme.

This is such an important, but largely overlooked, feature of our spirituality. Accountability is, in my opinion, part of what made the Wesleyan movement so transforming. Unfortunately many of us struggle with the humility and vulnerability which such accountability requires - which is why we need your challenge.

Grace
John

Delme Linscott said...

Thanks for the response John. The more we find ways to be "connected" in today's world, the less we seem to actually know each other. Sad reality in our churches too.

I am enjoying your thoughts on the blog lately - keep them coming friend.

Blessings, Delme