As a procrastinator serious about changing, maybe you’ve decided to try accountability. (February 9,2015) How do you choose an accountability partner?
These steps will get you going:
* Meditate on some scripture to clarify your vision.
Proverbs 27:17 – “As iron sharpens iron, so a man sharpens the countenance of his friend.”
Hebrews 10:24 – “And let us consider one another in order to stir up love and good works.”
Ephesians 4:22-24 -“put off concerning your former conduct the old man‚Ķand put on the new man.”
Also Proverbs 15:19, I Peter 5:8, Galatians 5:1, 16.
* Pray. Take this idea to the Lord as Janice commented. Ask Him to guide you to the person who will understand what you are requesting and encourage you. This woman should be willing and able to follow up with you faithfully.
* Define what you want in an accountability relationship. Are you looking for help long term or with a short term project? Would you like someone in just one or two areas of your life? Karen wrote that she has an accountability partner for exercise and food. I have a long term partner and 2 others for the workroom cleanout. It could be accountability for writing in your journal, buying a new suit, memorizing scripture, working on photos, or reading a book. Decide how often you’d like to report to her and in what form. Remember chatty conversations can sabotage your efforts.
* Ask! Give a clear explanation of what you would like from her or with her. Many people have not done this; explain your thoughts. Listen to her ideas and decide between you how you’d like to approach accountability. Just learn together.
* Persevere! Do not be discouraged if your first efforts are awkward or downright unsuccessful. I’ve done this in different places over the years and run into a variety of reasons some friends and I didn’t work as accountability partners. These are some hindrances I’ve noticed: being so busy that adding me is too much, not realizing my request was serious and important, not being sufficiently present in each other’s lives to foster interest in each other, being too sympathetic and therefore not willing to hold me accountable. Try try again! Don’t worry about bumps in the road. It is worth the journey.
I’ll be praying for you.
What do you want and whom will you ask?
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