“I bet you make sure you have at least one good quiet time a week in order to write your blogs,” my friend teased. I laughed, but he was right. Accountability helps me do what I want to do.

Photo by: Davide Cantelli

I didn’t set out to build accountability into my life, but my desire to grow in my faith and encourage others wove it into my routines. I’ve chosen friends and activities that support that dream.

Below are four components that push me to my dream:

• Desire: I want to please God and be the person He created me to be. But distractions can sabotage that pursuit. I have a plaque that says, “Discipline … doing what we don’t want to do so we can accomplish what we’ve always wanted.” When email and other temptations promise immediate gratification, the accountability of my weekly Bible study group provides that extra incentive to do what I really want to do.
• Authenticity: I am drawn to people I don’t need to impress. Our small groups don’t don their halos when we come together. We’re honest with each other. We laugh and cry together, and we’ve shared anger and confusion. If one says she is ready to shoot the man who abused her nephew, we understand she is processing her grief, not going out to buy a gun. Find people with whom you can be real.

• Shared faith, values, and goals: My inner circle of friends share the common desire of knowing and exalting Jesus Christ. Some of them also write. Having the encouragement of others who understand your journey is priceless. What dream is in your heart? Who shares your dream? Are you running a marathon, writing a book, or getting out of debt? We have individual journeys, but it helps to connect with people who share a common goal.

• Individual effort: Just belonging to a team is not enough to reach your goal. The U.S. Women’s Olympic Gymnastics team showed the strength and joy that come from a good team. The “Fab Five” cried, comforted, encouraged, and cheered each other to gold. But ultimately, there would have been no success without individual desire and discipline. No one can do your routine for you.

Hebrews 3:13 (NASB) says, “… encourage one another day after day, as long as it is still called ‘Today,’… .”

Accountability encourages us to do the things we may not want to do so we can have what we have always wanted. What do you need to add or subtract to help you realize your dream?

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Blessings,

Debbie W. Wilson

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