Accountability – We All Need Alarm Bells

In Galatians 6:7-9 the Bible says, “Do not be deceived: God cannot be mocked. A man reaps what he sows. The one who sows to please his sinful nature, from that nature will reap destruction; the one who sows to please the Spirit, from the Spirit will reap eternal life. Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.”

We can’t pull a fast one on God. He sees all and cannot be deceived. He notices our shortcuts and also our effort when we do well. To ensure that we live by this truth, we need to seek others to hold us accountable and act as our “alarm bells”. Invite others to ask you tough questions, such as the following:

1. Is my personal walk with God up-to-date? Example: Am I being faithful to my daily quiet time?

2. Am I keeping my priorities straight? Example: Do I have the proper balance between work and family and other activities?

3. Am I asking myself the hard questions? Example: How am I doing I the area of personal purity?

4. Am I accountable to someone in authority? Who?

5. Am I sensitive to what God is saying to the whole body of Christ? (It’s not all about me)

6. Am I overly concerned with building my image? Example: Is what people see vs. who I really am the same thing?

7. Do I put more stock in events (and tasks) rather than process (and building relationships)?

8. Am I a loner in my leadership and personal life? Example: Is there too much secrecy in my life?

9. Am I aware and honest about my weaknesses (my blind spots)?

10. Is my calling constantly before me? Do I even know what my personal life mission is?

Ask yourself these questions on a regular basis and you will be headed down a road of appropriate accountability. We all need accountability, in our personal lives, as well as our professional.

David is Off to College!

The recent departure of my first-born going off to college was an emotional time. It was a time to stop and reflect on what I had done right in his life and where I had missed the boat. Unfortunately, missed opportunities are hard to make up. Fortunately, I have 5 more kids to try to “get it right” with. All this reflection led to some generalizations around what wisdom was it that I needed to impart before it is too late – to my children, as well as to others around me – what were the key things that God has been teaching me. Many things came to mind, but in the end I boiled it down to my “top 10”. The top 10 key lessons that God had taught me through the years – based on my few successes and my many failures. I think for every man there is likely some overlap and undoubtedly some uniqueness in this list. Whatever the case, here’s mine…….

1. Practice unconditional love in all your most important relationships, especially your marriage.

2. Do what you love to do and do your best.

3. Invest your life in others, not in things or accomplishments.

4. God & His Word are the only things to base your life on.

5. Flee lust and avoid all sexual temptations.

6. Delay gratification, or better said, do not seek instant gratification. Learn to have patience.

7. Honesty is always the best policy.

8. Practice brotherhood and accountability.

9. There is no greater responsibility than parenting. We are stewards of His children.

10. Be Missional. We are on a mission for God. Stay personally externally focused.

That’s my list – what’s yours? I believe you need to know what it is, because in it lay the reasons you were put here on this earth. There are no mistakes in God’s economy. I believe He uses every lesson taught to every one of us to grow us all as a body of believers and to build up His kingdom.