Accountability

There are few words that we seem to avoid more as human beings than accountability. Maybe it's because of baggage we carry around about what we think accountability is or how it has made us feel in the past. Maybe it's for different reasons entirely. 

​But I can say that the more I use the word accountability, the more uncomfortable people seem to become. 

In my church, we are talking about accountability with discipleship. And every time I explain it - it goes something like this. Who are the people who can gently hold you accountable to your goals? Asking you each week with an open heart how it is going and encourage you?

I have had many a conversation that ends in stunned silence - because this is not what folks imagined when I said the word accountability. 

Or in my own life - I just had a friend text me to make sure that I was taking time to rest. Telling me that rest is good and to hold to my plan. 

That was the accountability I needed.

Accountability is also a large part of spiritual direction. I know every month when I come that I am going to be asked how it is with my soul. And that gives me space to reflect and be honest and vulnerable.
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What type of accountability are you searching for in your life? And what do you need to set aside in order to hold it gently?