Week 4, Day 1
The Gift of Accountability
“Accountability” is a common saying in the church world, and for many people it is a dirty word. I believe we view it negatively because deep down we view God as an angry judge who is generally disappointed in us. This past year, I have grown to view accountability differently - and now see it as such a gift! Let me explain...
Michelle and I have always been passionate about fitness, but the older we get, the harder it is to get in shape. We finally decided that we needed help from someone who knows more than us. We reached out to a friend of many years who trains bodybuilders. In our initial conversation she told us that the work would be hard, but that if we trust her and the process, she promised we would see the results that have felt so unattainable. She gave us a plan to follow - but then came the accountability: each week we were instructed to send her a photo so she can track our progress. Yikes!
What first felt like a cringy embarrassment soon became an eager part of the process. Why? It has everything to do with trusting the heart and abilities of the one holding you accountable. Our trainer watches our progress not to criticize or shame - but to point out small improvements that we aren’t trained to notice. She also adjusts our plan to give us the best results possible.
True accountability isn’t about making you feel bad - it’s about helping you reach your absolute best potential. We’re so grateful for Robin’s expertise and are slowly getting in the best shape of our lives - at almost fifty years old!
When Jesus promised us the Holy Spirit, that’s the gift He was giving us. His Spirit is our Helper - He points out areas we can improve and change and encourages us every step of the way. He is our greatest gift!
This week’s devotions look at Joseph’s life and dive deep into some of his greatest qualities. As you read about his life, consider adding some powerful people of accountability to your life to help you take some next steps in your potential to live a life that glorifies God. We’re in this together!
Week 4 Reading
Genesis 39
Prayer Focus for the Week
Keep Psalm 51:10 close to your heart in prayer this week: “Create in me a clean heart, O God, and put a new and right spirit within me.”
Michelle and I have always been passionate about fitness, but the older we get, the harder it is to get in shape. We finally decided that we needed help from someone who knows more than us. We reached out to a friend of many years who trains bodybuilders. In our initial conversation she told us that the work would be hard, but that if we trust her and the process, she promised we would see the results that have felt so unattainable. She gave us a plan to follow - but then came the accountability: each week we were instructed to send her a photo so she can track our progress. Yikes!
What first felt like a cringy embarrassment soon became an eager part of the process. Why? It has everything to do with trusting the heart and abilities of the one holding you accountable. Our trainer watches our progress not to criticize or shame - but to point out small improvements that we aren’t trained to notice. She also adjusts our plan to give us the best results possible.
True accountability isn’t about making you feel bad - it’s about helping you reach your absolute best potential. We’re so grateful for Robin’s expertise and are slowly getting in the best shape of our lives - at almost fifty years old!
When Jesus promised us the Holy Spirit, that’s the gift He was giving us. His Spirit is our Helper - He points out areas we can improve and change and encourages us every step of the way. He is our greatest gift!
This week’s devotions look at Joseph’s life and dive deep into some of his greatest qualities. As you read about his life, consider adding some powerful people of accountability to your life to help you take some next steps in your potential to live a life that glorifies God. We’re in this together!
Week 4 Reading
Genesis 39
Prayer Focus for the Week
Keep Psalm 51:10 close to your heart in prayer this week: “Create in me a clean heart, O God, and put a new and right spirit within me.”
Reflection Questions
• Do you have an unhealthy view of accountability? Ask God to change your heart to eagerly desire more of this incredible gift.
• Are there areas of life that you could benefit from having added accountability? Pray for God to lead you to the right people to help you.
• Are there areas of life that you could benefit from having added accountability? Pray for God to lead you to the right people to help you.
Recent
Archive
2023
August
September
Week 2, Day 1Week 2, Day 2Week 2, Day 3Week 2, Day 4Week 2, Day 5Week Two Small Group DiscussionWeek 3, Day 1Week 3, Day 2Week 3, Day 3Week 3, Day 4Week 3, Day 5Week Three Small Group DiscussionWeek 4, Day 1Week 4, Day 2Week 4, Day 3Week 4, Day 4Week 4, Day 5Week Four Small Group DiscussionWeek 5, Day 1Week 5, Day 2Week 5, Day 3Week 5, Day 4Week 5, Day 5Week Five Small Group Discussion
October
Week 6, Day 1Week 6, Day 2Week 6, Day 3Week 6, Day 4Week 6, Day 5Week Six Small Group DiscussionWeek 7, Day 1Week 7, Day 2Week 7, Day 3Week 7, Day 4Week 7, Day 5Week Seven Small Group DiscussionWeek 8, Day 1Week 8, Day 2Week 8, Day 3Week 8, Day 4Week 8, Day 5Week Eight Small Group DiscussionWeek 9, Day 1Week 9, Day 2Week 9, Day 3Week 9, Day 4Week 9, Day 5Week Nine Small Group Discussion
Categories
no categories
1 Comment
Accountability is a must in my life it’s the only way I can truly see myself with that being said you absolutely have to trust that those that are holding you accountable or loving you, so I really like how you brought the Holy Spirit in there. It’s exactly like that. Thank you Brad bless you.