Recently I have been placed in a position of being an accountability partner of sorts and it has gotten me thinking about myself and my own accountability. After talking with a couple of folks who require someone else to keep them accountable - and that is usually how these things work - I did some self-analysis and have determined - I am and have probably always been self-accountable. How does that work, you say? Some, I know, might understand this because I can't be the only one on earth who keeps themselves on track and/or gets themselves back on track. Something within me makes me want to do the right thing and if I do not, or I fail to do what is needed/wanted/required, I naturally feel bad or guilty or lacking in some way.
In the same way I do not require praise or reward for a 'job well done' (not that it isn't nice), but I do what needs to be done without a pat on the back or an award of some sort or even a nice word. This drives my husband nuts because he *does* work in this way and because I don't; I am not quick to praise, nor do I show much emotion towards someone who does praise (I do thank the person - I am not cold about it.) Perhaps I am strange - or it is just programmed in to me.
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So... I started this blog yesterday (Thursday, Nov 9) and then my devotions for the morning were about this exact thing. One of the scripture verses that was mentioned this morning (Nov 10):
"Don’t be selfish; don’t try to impress others. Be humble, thinking of others as better than yourselves." Philippians 2:3 NLT
Or in a different version - so many good ones out there...
"Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves." Philippians 2:3 ESV
I struggled yesterday with finishing or wanting to post my blog because I didn't want to seem like I was puffing myself up or saying that I was better than someone else because I don't require accolade or constant praise. I have a built in 'disappointment' meter - and I attribute it to my relationship with God. In as much as I remember about before the age of 19, I know that I was a pretty straight laced kid who didn't want to do anything wrong, now I just don't have any desire to do wrong - and if I even think about it, I immediately have a sense of guilt or shame.
(One of my Life Verses...)
Search me, O God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts. Point out anything in me that offends you, and lead me along the path of everlasting life. Psalm 139:23-24
Anyways, so being someone's accountability partner has been interesting. I have been challenged by it. In as much as I have people who rely on me (Hello, four kids and a husband), I am constantly trying to help them be more self-sufficient. (This brings up a whole 'nother topic!) BUT I do understand that having others keep us accountable about things is important!
Really, I do know that it is. *big grin*
Therefore encourage one another and build one another up, just as you are doing. 1 Thess. 5:11
Iron sharpens iron, and one man sharpens another. Proverbs 27:17
I want to be a continually learner in all things and especially in Godly things, so I really do think He challenges me daily.
How is God challenging *you*?
Grace and peace to you,
Melissa
