I sometimes wonder how many problems we could avoid in life if we all had accountability partners, and we shared our deepest thoughts with that partner. Good.Bad.And.Ugly.
What is accountability? Merrian-Webster defines it as “an obligation or willingness to accept responsibility or to account for one’s actions.”
An accountability partner is someone you share your struggles or thoughts with and answer to that person. That person is a safe place who brings to the table trust and support. And, every word spoken to him or her is held in confidence.
One of my accountability partners is my mother. Now, I understand that for many of you, telling your momma every single thing is unimaginable. So, don’t. Pick another person who loves you and who loves Jesus. But, I tell my mom every thought that she needs to hear as my accountability partner. I do not reveal things to her that Kris and I share in confidence with one another. But, if I’m struggling with something or a SIN (GASP), I tell her. And, she holds me accountable.
It’s probably saved me from a world of hurt many times. I’ve confessed some brow raising thoughts. She didn’t judge. She didn’t gasp (except once when I was 18 years old, and I shared just a wee bit too much information for her at that time.) Now, that’s a story I could never blog about. For real.
She listens. She prays. And, she helps me put things into a Godly perspective, then holds me accountable. ‘Cause that’s what an accountability partner does.
These friendships, however, are more than just a confession session. I believe pure, authentic accountability fans the flames of our passion for Christ. It becomes a catalyst for spiritual growth.
And, if you are thinking there is no one you know who could be your safe place, pray. If you’d like, tell me. I’ll pray with you that God sends that safe place to you.
If we all learned the value in accountability, I think this world would look much, much different. Seekers would run to the church, because they see authenticity and refuge.
Let us think of ways to motivate one another to acts of love and good works. Hebrews 10:2
What do you think? Do you have an accountability partner?
DustyTakle.com 
Good stuff, DT.
I have people in my life to whom I am accountable. I give these people permission to call me out when they see things even if I don’t come to them and open up. It’s good because that can be uncomfortable, but I know these people love me and want to see me be all that God wants me to be.
Wow, there is a subject that stands on its own. I have few, very few who have the goods to deal with me at that level. When it gets to that level opinons are left at the door, I need solid God like counsel. Now your talking about life at its purest and most vunerable state. I am accountable to Shari as her partner in life. Then there are few, and they know who they are, have 100% freedom to speak at that level. Dusty, blog about pretty stuff, your kids , flowers….accountability on monday morning!!
LOVE YOU!
Great subject – Accountability is key in growing in Christ. I’ve got this topic scheduled for my single moms next week. I’ll point them here too.
My 2 cents on this topic – if your accountability partner struggles with the exact same sin, it may be wise to find someone else to help you with that particular issue. Otherwise you’ll both make excuses for each other. Can’t say I know that is Biblical but I’ve seen it happen.
Good words you wrote. Good stuff.
I have more than a few. We keep each other honest
Great blog! I am careful of whom to be vulnerable to, safe place….If i need a stern person….then I choose a person who will not hold back, but be honest, truthful.
Opinions are not my thing either, I want God, but sometimes need God’s mercy, compassion, love, so, if I am hurting, i go for the mercy seat, when God sends His mercy, it heals my heart. That is what I have learned.
I love this! Sometimes people might not know they are my accountability partner and they will put me in my place, I love it when that happens!!
I wouldn’t be who I am today if I hadn’t had women like that in my life!