By Milan Ford
Ever heard this phrase used before: The Elephant In The Room?
I'm sure you have. Around the office water cooler, and perhaps even the dinner table, it's an old English idiom that many of us use to describe an obvious truth that is either being ignored, or at times, rarely being addressed.
As a new admirer of wildlife (courtesy of "Animal Planet"), I realize how impossible it is for an elephant to be ignored. They are the largest land animals in the world, weighing anywhere between 9000-12,000 pounds. The trunk of an elephant can have up to forty thousand individual muscles in it, making it sensitive enough to pick up a blade of grass, yet strong enough to tear down a small tree.
So you would think that if you and I were in a room with an elephant, we would probably know it!
While doing a little soul searching this week, I began to ask myself this question: As Christians, what are the elephants you and I have in the room today? Digging a little deeper...
What is the biggest elephant we have in the church today?
I'm quite sure, depending on who you ask, the answers to that question would differ greatly.
Money.
Divorce.
Racism.
Homosexuality.
Politics.
Sexism.
The list is endless.
There is however one "elephant" in particular that we as Christians rarely seem to uncover enough. Despite its size and ability to frighten all in its path, this elephant has been chained to the rooms (and hearts) of every believer by God Himself. It simply cannot be avoided.
That elephant is Accountability.
Romans 12:16 says, "Be of the same mind toward one another. Do not set your mind on high things, but associate with the humble. Do not be wise in your own opinion."
Can I be honest with you? I have always had a difficult time asking for help. Whether it was from a family member, friend, or even a fellow believer, I have always equated a need for help as a sign of weakness. Nothing like figuring things out on your own...or so I thought.
Fast forward several years, I carried that same mentality while serving in ministry, until one day my elephant of accountability -- or should I say the lack thereof -- grew bigger than the room I was hiding it in. It cost me (and my family) big time.
As Christians, there is nothing more important than seeking out and embracing the accountability of the friends and loved ones God has placed around us. More often than not, many of us can fall victim to a dangerous belief system that our relationship with Christ (and no one else) is all that we need to be successful in our daily walk with Him.
Although I still consider myself to be a young man, there is one thing I have come to know for certain: Without accountability, the voice of God can sound a lot like your own.
I encourage you today to become a person of accountability. Please do not, under any circumstances, become wise in your opinion alone. Those who do may unfortunately find themselves surrounded in peanuts the rest of their lives; because when it comes to the elephant of accountability...
...it's here to stay.
Scripture Of The Day: "Be of the same mind toward one another. Do not set your mind on high things, but associate with the humble. Do not be wise in your own opinion." - Romans 12:16
Milan Ford has been a leader (and survivor) of ministry within the local church for most of his life. The author of 83 Things I Wish The Black Church Would Stop Doing, you can find Milan rambling and writing at http://www.thepewview.com or at http://twitter.com/milanford.…
Showing posts with label power of accountability. Show all posts
Showing posts with label power of accountability. Show all posts
Friday, October 22, 2010
Thursday, October 21, 2010
Be Accountable: Watch the Company You Keep
By Pastor Andre Butler
Believers are called to think about how to help other believers live right. This not only applies to attending church, but also to being involved in a small group. Believers gather so that they can help one another and be accountable to one another.
I lift weights from time to time, and I’ve found that it is best to do it when I have a partner. A good partner will not let me skip certain things or slack off, but will force me to go ahead and take an extra set. When I get stuck, a good partner helps me finish what I am doing. In short, a good partner holds me accountable.
James 5:16 says, “Confess your faults one to another, and pray one for another, that ye may be healed.” The word “faults” mean “side slips, transgressions, or sins.” Notice that it does not say to confess your faults to your pastor. Your pastor is not the only one you are accountable to. There should be other believers in your life that you are accountable to.
If you’re married then your accountability partner should be your spouse. If you are not married, there should be someone of the same gender who can come to you and ask, “How are you doing on this issue?” It should be someone that you will tell the truth to. You don’t need to tell everyone your business, but you do need to be accountable to someone who can help you and provoke you to love and good works.
Unbelievers cannot be your hanging buddies. If they are, it will not be long before you are living in sin as they are. You also cannot keep company with those struggling with a sinful area, whether they are an unbeliever or a believer. You might say, “I can’t cut that person off. He’s family. She’s an old college buddy.” But you cannot minister to that person while you are slipping into the very same sin in which he or she is entrapped.
I used to have friends who gossiped about other people. I would be talking with them, and it was not long before they started talking about someone, and I would join in. I soon realized I could not spend my time sinning like that. I had to cut them off for their own good and mine.
You can’t say that you can never be around unbelievers, because if that were the case, you would have to leave the planet. Unbelievers are not living right, but you cannot reach them with that attitude. You must operate in love. But keep in mind that you must maintain boundaries. God sets these boundaries because He wants His best for your life, and does not want you to go through things that you do not have to go through.
So, be accountable and watch the company you keep!
Scripture Of The Day: “And let us consider one another to provoke unto love and to good works:” - Hebrews 10:24
Pastor Andre Butler is a young man anointed and commissioned by God to spread the Good News of Christ. A 1996 graduate of Rhema Bible Training Center, Pastor Butler serves as Co-Pastor of Word of Faith International Christian Center in Southfield, MI.s. For more information about Pastor Andre Butler, log onto http://www.andrebutler.tv.…
Believers are called to think about how to help other believers live right. This not only applies to attending church, but also to being involved in a small group. Believers gather so that they can help one another and be accountable to one another.
I lift weights from time to time, and I’ve found that it is best to do it when I have a partner. A good partner will not let me skip certain things or slack off, but will force me to go ahead and take an extra set. When I get stuck, a good partner helps me finish what I am doing. In short, a good partner holds me accountable.
James 5:16 says, “Confess your faults one to another, and pray one for another, that ye may be healed.” The word “faults” mean “side slips, transgressions, or sins.” Notice that it does not say to confess your faults to your pastor. Your pastor is not the only one you are accountable to. There should be other believers in your life that you are accountable to.
If you’re married then your accountability partner should be your spouse. If you are not married, there should be someone of the same gender who can come to you and ask, “How are you doing on this issue?” It should be someone that you will tell the truth to. You don’t need to tell everyone your business, but you do need to be accountable to someone who can help you and provoke you to love and good works.
Unbelievers cannot be your hanging buddies. If they are, it will not be long before you are living in sin as they are. You also cannot keep company with those struggling with a sinful area, whether they are an unbeliever or a believer. You might say, “I can’t cut that person off. He’s family. She’s an old college buddy.” But you cannot minister to that person while you are slipping into the very same sin in which he or she is entrapped.
I used to have friends who gossiped about other people. I would be talking with them, and it was not long before they started talking about someone, and I would join in. I soon realized I could not spend my time sinning like that. I had to cut them off for their own good and mine.
You can’t say that you can never be around unbelievers, because if that were the case, you would have to leave the planet. Unbelievers are not living right, but you cannot reach them with that attitude. You must operate in love. But keep in mind that you must maintain boundaries. God sets these boundaries because He wants His best for your life, and does not want you to go through things that you do not have to go through.
So, be accountable and watch the company you keep!
Scripture Of The Day: “And let us consider one another to provoke unto love and to good works:” - Hebrews 10:24
Pastor Andre Butler is a young man anointed and commissioned by God to spread the Good News of Christ. A 1996 graduate of Rhema Bible Training Center, Pastor Butler serves as Co-Pastor of Word of Faith International Christian Center in Southfield, MI.s. For more information about Pastor Andre Butler, log onto http://www.andrebutler.tv.…
Wednesday, October 20, 2010
The Power of Accountability
By Bonnie St. John
If you want to deepen your experience of these daily devotional messages and thus your relationship with God, consider choosing a prayer partner to share this journey with you.
Going through each devotional with a friend or prayer partner creates a great opportunity to discuss your thoughts, feelings and insights along the way, deepening your understanding. It is also helpful to have someone who will hold you accountable and challenge you to stay on track. And of course, as we know, where two or more are gathered, He is there. So with a prayer partner it’s a mini-prayer meeting!
Whatever frequency you set up, daily, weekly, or even monthly, you can meet in person or by phone. Try starting each meeting with a prayer. You can read the daily devotional out loud, and discuss any insights that emerge. Or, if not meeting daily, each of you can bring one devotional that has touched you since the last time you met. Take turns reading your devotional message and explaining why it resonated with you.
You may also want to prayerfully commit to your partner that you will take certain actions or make changes in the time before your next meeting. Close with a prayer to strengthen you and your prayer partner for the journey.
At your next meeting, you can check in on whether you were able to accomplish your goals (or not—we are human!) and how the discussion topic showed up in your actions and attitudes. Sharing this journey with a partner will significantly increase your ability to learn to live God’s joy in the world; it can double your joy! Having a partner keeps you accountable and therefore makes a more powerful impact on your life.
Are you willing to experience the power of accountability?
If you’ve decided that having a prayer partner feels right to you, take time now to list three potential prayer partners. Get in touch and if your first choice isn’t available for this journey right now, keep trying until you find someone who is.
You are on your way!
Scripture Of The Day: "Therefore comfort each other and edify one another, just as you also are doing." - 1 Thessalonians 5:11 NKJV
Bonnie St. John is a professional speaker and Olympic medalist, who has appeared on the Today Show, CNN, the 700 Club, and Life Today. The author of How Strong Women Pray and Live Your Joy, Bonnie St. John is committed to reaching out to the world with a message of triumph over circumstance. For more information about Bonnie, log onto http://www.bonniestjohn.com…
If you want to deepen your experience of these daily devotional messages and thus your relationship with God, consider choosing a prayer partner to share this journey with you.
Going through each devotional with a friend or prayer partner creates a great opportunity to discuss your thoughts, feelings and insights along the way, deepening your understanding. It is also helpful to have someone who will hold you accountable and challenge you to stay on track. And of course, as we know, where two or more are gathered, He is there. So with a prayer partner it’s a mini-prayer meeting!
Whatever frequency you set up, daily, weekly, or even monthly, you can meet in person or by phone. Try starting each meeting with a prayer. You can read the daily devotional out loud, and discuss any insights that emerge. Or, if not meeting daily, each of you can bring one devotional that has touched you since the last time you met. Take turns reading your devotional message and explaining why it resonated with you.
You may also want to prayerfully commit to your partner that you will take certain actions or make changes in the time before your next meeting. Close with a prayer to strengthen you and your prayer partner for the journey.
At your next meeting, you can check in on whether you were able to accomplish your goals (or not—we are human!) and how the discussion topic showed up in your actions and attitudes. Sharing this journey with a partner will significantly increase your ability to learn to live God’s joy in the world; it can double your joy! Having a partner keeps you accountable and therefore makes a more powerful impact on your life.
Are you willing to experience the power of accountability?
If you’ve decided that having a prayer partner feels right to you, take time now to list three potential prayer partners. Get in touch and if your first choice isn’t available for this journey right now, keep trying until you find someone who is.
You are on your way!
Scripture Of The Day: "Therefore comfort each other and edify one another, just as you also are doing." - 1 Thessalonians 5:11 NKJV
Bonnie St. John is a professional speaker and Olympic medalist, who has appeared on the Today Show, CNN, the 700 Club, and Life Today. The author of How Strong Women Pray and Live Your Joy, Bonnie St. John is committed to reaching out to the world with a message of triumph over circumstance. For more information about Bonnie, log onto http://www.bonniestjohn.com…
Tuesday, October 19, 2010
The Accountability Of Passion
By Lisa Birch
I got sucked into reality TV recently about a popular entertainment industry mogul.
He talked about how he hadn't slept for days because of the projects he was so heavily involved with. On this particular mission he set out to deliver new and different work and he went at it full force. He surrounded himself with top talent, fine tuned the good stuff, got rid of the bad, learned new techniques, stretched his skill set, and practiced to near perfection. He put in as many if not more hours than his support team. He was clearly exhausted, but still driven to create the best.
I'll have to admit that by the end of the episode I was sold on this man's passion.
A person of mogul status doesn't get to where he is without passion. Yes we all strive to be and do our best, but when passion shows up it takes on a different look.
It's peculiar and relentless. It elevates things to a new level and is strong enough to push you past the point where others normally stop. Rest is vital for the body and balance is key, but there are times when passion overrides sleep and even satisfies the appetite.
When all signs indicated that the guy in the reality show should slow down or stop, the power of passion held him accountable to keep going.
Think about Christ.
He was tired, beaten and bloody, but nothing could stop His passion (thank God!). No boundaries, no persecutions, no haters.
Not even death.
If you're passionate about anything at all, you've made some sacrifices in your life and you've realized some successes. But how much passion do we truly have for God and His word?
Even 99 percent isn't enough.
Lord, I pray by the power of Your Holy Spirit that I develop a passion for You that's so intense it holds me accountable like nothing else will. Make me crazily ambitious for Your word, and set me on fire to love, serve, honor and put you first every day. Amen.
Scripture Of The Day: “Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be satisfied." - Matthew 5:6
Publisher of Vertical Fix online magazine, Lisa Birch has a passion for music with integrity. Along with her husband Chris, Lisa is the co-founder of Vertical Fix internet radio. A 15-year writer and editor, Lisa has contributed writings for corporate, creative, editorial and ministerial environments. For more on Lisa, log onto http://www.verticalfix.com.
I got sucked into reality TV recently about a popular entertainment industry mogul.
He talked about how he hadn't slept for days because of the projects he was so heavily involved with. On this particular mission he set out to deliver new and different work and he went at it full force. He surrounded himself with top talent, fine tuned the good stuff, got rid of the bad, learned new techniques, stretched his skill set, and practiced to near perfection. He put in as many if not more hours than his support team. He was clearly exhausted, but still driven to create the best.
I'll have to admit that by the end of the episode I was sold on this man's passion.
A person of mogul status doesn't get to where he is without passion. Yes we all strive to be and do our best, but when passion shows up it takes on a different look.
It's peculiar and relentless. It elevates things to a new level and is strong enough to push you past the point where others normally stop. Rest is vital for the body and balance is key, but there are times when passion overrides sleep and even satisfies the appetite.
When all signs indicated that the guy in the reality show should slow down or stop, the power of passion held him accountable to keep going.
Think about Christ.
He was tired, beaten and bloody, but nothing could stop His passion (thank God!). No boundaries, no persecutions, no haters.
Not even death.
If you're passionate about anything at all, you've made some sacrifices in your life and you've realized some successes. But how much passion do we truly have for God and His word?
Even 99 percent isn't enough.
Lord, I pray by the power of Your Holy Spirit that I develop a passion for You that's so intense it holds me accountable like nothing else will. Make me crazily ambitious for Your word, and set me on fire to love, serve, honor and put you first every day. Amen.
Scripture Of The Day: “Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be satisfied." - Matthew 5:6
Publisher of Vertical Fix online magazine, Lisa Birch has a passion for music with integrity. Along with her husband Chris, Lisa is the co-founder of Vertical Fix internet radio. A 15-year writer and editor, Lisa has contributed writings for corporate, creative, editorial and ministerial environments. For more on Lisa, log onto http://www.verticalfix.com.
Monday, October 18, 2010
Accountability
By Tanya James
Accountability; what a 14 letter word!
But what does it mean?
"Accountability is the state of being accountable, liable, or answerable"
So why do I think OUCH when I think of accountability?
Because for true accountability to take place, there has to be a serious level of transparency, and for many that is a hard place to be. YET, there is so much power in it.
I remember before I got married and I had finally decided to obey God's mandates as it related to abstinence until marriage; one of the first things I did was find accountability partners.
People that I could trust and confide in that would not just pray for or with me but people that would help keep me in check. You know, people that would call after my date with tall, dark and handsome, just to make sure I was home...in my bed...by myself.
There were MANY of days I wanted to dodge my accountability partners or to tell them to leave me alone because I was a grown woman and could make my own decisions, but God sent them into my life to help me get off that fence of sexual immorality.
I needed that support system even if I didn't always want it! We all need support systems because it's not always easy to keep our commitments to living a life pleasing unto God.
Just make sure you are walking with someone that will help you in your commitments (whatever they are) and not people that will encourage you to go against God's word.
Proverbs 13:30 says "He who walks with wise men will be wise, but the companion of fools will be destroyed."
Find yourself an accountability partner, but make sure you use wisdom; don't have a fool holding you accountable! And once you find that person, be open, transparent and totally honest and watch how God will use them to make you a better person!
Scripture Of The Day: "He who walks with wise men will be wise, but the companion of fools will be destroyed." - Proverbs 13:20 NASB
Founder and president of The Master Plan, Tanya James is the author of From Promiscuity to Proverbs 31: Getting Off the Fence of Sexual Immorality. For more information about Tanya, log onto http://www.armedanddangerous.biz or http://www.themasterplan.biz.
Accountability; what a 14 letter word!
But what does it mean?
"Accountability is the state of being accountable, liable, or answerable"
So why do I think OUCH when I think of accountability?
Because for true accountability to take place, there has to be a serious level of transparency, and for many that is a hard place to be. YET, there is so much power in it.
I remember before I got married and I had finally decided to obey God's mandates as it related to abstinence until marriage; one of the first things I did was find accountability partners.
People that I could trust and confide in that would not just pray for or with me but people that would help keep me in check. You know, people that would call after my date with tall, dark and handsome, just to make sure I was home...in my bed...by myself.
There were MANY of days I wanted to dodge my accountability partners or to tell them to leave me alone because I was a grown woman and could make my own decisions, but God sent them into my life to help me get off that fence of sexual immorality.
I needed that support system even if I didn't always want it! We all need support systems because it's not always easy to keep our commitments to living a life pleasing unto God.
Just make sure you are walking with someone that will help you in your commitments (whatever they are) and not people that will encourage you to go against God's word.
Proverbs 13:30 says "He who walks with wise men will be wise, but the companion of fools will be destroyed."
Find yourself an accountability partner, but make sure you use wisdom; don't have a fool holding you accountable! And once you find that person, be open, transparent and totally honest and watch how God will use them to make you a better person!
Scripture Of The Day: "He who walks with wise men will be wise, but the companion of fools will be destroyed." - Proverbs 13:20 NASB
Founder and president of The Master Plan, Tanya James is the author of From Promiscuity to Proverbs 31: Getting Off the Fence of Sexual Immorality. For more information about Tanya, log onto http://www.armedanddangerous.biz or http://www.themasterplan.biz.
Sunday, October 17, 2010
Got Accountability?
By Pastor Marquis Boone
Louis McBurney, in a Leadership Journal article, stated there are four reasons people reject accountability.
1) They fear rejection.
2) They feel embarrassed.
3) They resent control by hostile people.
4) They don’t like facing any negative feelings.
Everyone, including leaders, needs accountability through their significant relationships. Accountability is not something we need just when we‘re young Christians; accountability is for everyone. Accountability is a powerful tool that can launch many of us into the fullness God has for each of us.
When we say accountability, we’re not talking about intimidation, invasion of privacy, bringing people under the weight of someone else’s preferences or legalism. Biblical accountability isn’t manipulation; but if practiced right, is a blessing.
Accountability comes with a price, and comes with four requirements. If you are truly going to walk in accountability you must be willing to meet the following requirements:
A. Must Be Teachable - Willing to learn; quick to hear and slow to respond.
B. Available – Willing to be accessible, touchable, open and interruptible.
C. Vulnerable - Capable of admitting ones mistakes.
D. Truthful - Committed to the truth, and walks in honesty even if it hurts.
Why does accountability have requirements? The dictionary says accountability means “being responsible to others“. In a biblical sense, it’s developing relationships with other believers which will promote spiritual growth and obedience to God. Therefore, accountability means teaching, challenging, supporting and encouraging one another in ways that promote spiritual integrity in us as believers.
Have you ever wanted to go to the next level and dimension in your life, but haven’t been sure exactly how to get there? Today, I inoculate you to pray and ask God to show you someone who can hold you accountable. If Jesus had twelve accountability partners, each of us should have at least one or two believers that hold us accountable.
But remember accountability also has its rewards:
Accountability builds friendships.
Accountability builds a hedge of protection.
Accountability brings freedom.
Accountability reflects the truth.
Accountability develops Christlikeness.
Accountability adds responsibilities.
Accountability builds our integrity.
Don’t reject accountability but embrace it.
Walk into your fullness, and watch the power of accountability transform your life.
Scripture Of The Day: "So then each of us will give an account of himself to God." - Romans 14:12 (ESV)
Marquis D. Boone is the Lead Pastor of Fresh Start Church whose mission is to Re-vive, Re-fresh, Re-lease and to Re-store people back to God. For more information about Pastor Boone; log onto http://www.myfreshstartchurch.org or http://www.dreamoutloudtoday.com.…
Louis McBurney, in a Leadership Journal article, stated there are four reasons people reject accountability.
1) They fear rejection.
2) They feel embarrassed.
3) They resent control by hostile people.
4) They don’t like facing any negative feelings.
Everyone, including leaders, needs accountability through their significant relationships. Accountability is not something we need just when we‘re young Christians; accountability is for everyone. Accountability is a powerful tool that can launch many of us into the fullness God has for each of us.
When we say accountability, we’re not talking about intimidation, invasion of privacy, bringing people under the weight of someone else’s preferences or legalism. Biblical accountability isn’t manipulation; but if practiced right, is a blessing.
Accountability comes with a price, and comes with four requirements. If you are truly going to walk in accountability you must be willing to meet the following requirements:
A. Must Be Teachable - Willing to learn; quick to hear and slow to respond.
B. Available – Willing to be accessible, touchable, open and interruptible.
C. Vulnerable - Capable of admitting ones mistakes.
D. Truthful - Committed to the truth, and walks in honesty even if it hurts.
Why does accountability have requirements? The dictionary says accountability means “being responsible to others“. In a biblical sense, it’s developing relationships with other believers which will promote spiritual growth and obedience to God. Therefore, accountability means teaching, challenging, supporting and encouraging one another in ways that promote spiritual integrity in us as believers.
Have you ever wanted to go to the next level and dimension in your life, but haven’t been sure exactly how to get there? Today, I inoculate you to pray and ask God to show you someone who can hold you accountable. If Jesus had twelve accountability partners, each of us should have at least one or two believers that hold us accountable.
But remember accountability also has its rewards:
Accountability builds friendships.
Accountability builds a hedge of protection.
Accountability brings freedom.
Accountability reflects the truth.
Accountability develops Christlikeness.
Accountability adds responsibilities.
Accountability builds our integrity.
Don’t reject accountability but embrace it.
Walk into your fullness, and watch the power of accountability transform your life.
Scripture Of The Day: "So then each of us will give an account of himself to God." - Romans 14:12 (ESV)
Marquis D. Boone is the Lead Pastor of Fresh Start Church whose mission is to Re-vive, Re-fresh, Re-lease and to Re-store people back to God. For more information about Pastor Boone; log onto http://www.myfreshstartchurch.org or http://www.dreamoutloudtoday.com.…
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