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Day 23
Day 23 | Ditch The Bad Beliefs & Attitudes
ACTIVITY
Continue:
- P.A.C.T.—Pray | Ask | Confess | Thank
- P.A.S.S.—Pray Prior | Author's Intent | Stop when Convicted | Share
Your Call To Act (C.T.A.) today is:
- Write down a bad belief you have about accountability and let it go.
PROVERBS 16
16 To humans belong the plans of the heart,
but from the Lord comes the proper answer of the tongue.
2 All a person’s ways seem pure to them,
but motives are weighed by the Lord.
3 Commit to the Lord whatever you do,
and he will establish your plans.
4 The Lord works out everything to its proper end—
even the wicked for a day of disaster.
5 The Lord detests all the proud of heart.
Be sure of this: They will not go unpunished.
6 Through love and faithfulness sin is atoned for;
through the fear of the Lord evil is avoided.
7 When the Lord takes pleasure in anyone’s way,
he causes their enemies to make peace with them.
8 Better a little with righteousness
than much gain with injustice.
9 In their hearts humans plan their course,
but the Lord establishes their steps.
10 The lips of a king speak as an oracle,
and his mouth does not betray justice.
11 Honest scales and balances belong to the Lord;
all the weights in the bag are of his making.
12 Kings detest wrongdoing,
for a throne is established through righteousness.
13 Kings take pleasure in honest lips;
they value the one who speaks what is right.
14 A king’s wrath is a messenger of death,
but the wise will appease it.
15 When a king’s face brightens, it means life;
his favor is like a rain cloud in spring.
16 How much better to get wisdom than gold,
to get insight rather than silver!
17 The highway of the upright avoids evil;
those who guard their ways preserve their lives.
18 Pride goes before destruction,
a haughty spirit before a fall.
19 Better to be lowly in spirit along with the oppressed
than to share plunder with the proud.
20 Whoever gives heed to instruction prospers,
and blessed is the one who trusts in the Lord.
21 The wise in heart are called discerning,
and gracious words promote instruction.
22 Prudence is a fountain of life to the prudent,
but folly brings punishment to fools.
23 The hearts of the wise make their mouths prudent,
and their lips promote instruction.
24 Gracious words are a honeycomb,
sweet to the soul and healing to the bones.
25 There is a way that appears to be right,
but in the end it leads to death.
26 The appetite of laborers works for them;
their hunger drives them on.
27 A scoundrel plots evil,
and on their lips it is like a scorching fire.
28 A perverse person stirs up conflict,
and a gossip separates close friends.
29 A violent person entices their neighbor
and leads them down a path that is not good.
30 Whoever winks with their eye is plotting perversity;
whoever purses their lips is bent on evil.
31 Gray hair is a crown of splendor;
it is attained in the way of righteousness.
32 Better a patient person than a warrior,
one with self-control than one who takes a city.
33 The lot is cast into the lap,
but its every decision is from the Lord.
TRANSCRIPT
Goal: Ditch the Bad Beliefs and Attitudes
Now I know that accountability does not sound like fun, but I am going to add the fun back to it for you. Because I know many men have a bad attitude and even bad beliefs about accountability. Often this is due from two issues. One, they have had bad experiences with accountability in the past, specifically abuse or manipulation. Two, we have a completely wrong understanding of accountability because, most of the time, in Christian circles, we only hear about accountability in the context of sexual addiction or issues. Therefore we a wrong understanding and attitude about accountability. But we need to ditch these bad beliefs and attitudes. Which is what I want you to do today. Accountability can be positive and proactive, and it can be an unenjoyable experience. So I am going to guarantee to make it different for you. But you need to ensure you ditch the bad attitudes and beliefs. So today, write down one bad attitude and belief you have. Identify it and share it if you feel comfortable.
DEVO
Pride goes before destruction and a haughty spirit before a fall.—Proverbs 16:18
Men who accomplish an extraordinary level of position, prosperity, or prestige frequently become immortalized by the world. We all know at least one athlete, business leader, or well-known author to which this has happened. Sometimes the elevation of these men by others has a way of distorting their view of self and the world around them. I am sure you can think of more than one example of a man whose fame has gone to his head.
But a man who knows his pride, and when and how it manifests itself can resist it before it distorts his perspective and ruins his identity, character, and relationships. This is what was so amazing about Jesus. He was willing to live out his status and position with power humbly and yet persistently redirect attention away from himself to his Father.
DO THIS: Know your pride and say no to it.
PRAY THIS: God, help me to know my version of pride and keep it from "tripping me up" today.
Share That You Completed Today's Challenge
Accountability is definitely a tough concept for the Christian man! It does bring up some negative feelings when thinking about it.
However, I think we can look at Proverbs 3:11-12 for encouragement… My son, do not despise the discipline of the Lord or be weary from His reproof. For the LORD reproves Him whom HE LOVES, as the father the son in whom he delights.
I like Vince’s thoughts of wanting to improve, perform better each day!! In other words, we are a work in progress as we seek sanctification daily. Then our ultimate reward will be when we get to Heaven and we are glorified by our Risen, Living and Loving Savior Jesus !!! Let everything that has breath Praise the Lord!! Praise the Lord!
I guess I fear accountability because I am afraid of being judged…
I had a bad experience with a mentor, I need to forgive him
18 Pride goes before destruction,
a haughty spirit before a fall.
Always thought accountability as way for someone to control me, and not really help control myself.
“In their hearts humans plan their course but the Lord establishes their steps. “ I need to always remember that God has a plan and it’s on His time!
Proverbs 16:32 Better to be patient than powerful; better to have self control than to conquer a city. v33 We may throw the dice, but the Lord determines how they fall.
For some reason this makes me think of all the political differences in our world today. Everybody seems to listen to their side only and not actually communicate with the other. If we did, we may find we have more in common than we think.
v24: Gracious words are like a honeycomb, sweetness to the soul and health to the body.
Being gracious and loving is not only spreading God’s love to others it is good for my soul and my physical self.
I need to view accountability more as coaching for my life.
Play perform and produce.
That being accountable for what wrong you have done.
I have a bad belief that one of the accountability partners will be truthful and one will flat out lie to my face. This is based on past experience. God, I let this go and replace it with the understanding that you desire the best for me and that a true brother will want the best for me.
I had to sit back in my seat for verse 4. It says “the Lord has made everything for its own purpose, even the wicked for the day of evil.”
Not something you typically hear on a Sunday morning. But I think we have to distinguish what is really being said here. Is he talking about the wicked person, or the wicked spirit?
Ditch negativity and embrace change for the better
Don’t destroy yourself by your own pride!
Better to be lowly in spirit with the oppressed, than to share plunder with the proud
I like the verse that says it is better to be patient and have self control rather than a strong warrior.
A bad belief about accountability – I think he hit it on the head – I think accountability is negative in nature. In the video he mentioned medical personnel that get assurance in accountability. This made me think about how do my employees feel about accountability to a defined process and I think they do have assurance in that. If the accountability defined and doesn’t change. What I mean is that you define a process and then you meet the requirement all good, but if you had your accountability meeting and they held you to a higher level or different process that would be disconcerting. I feel that is what we typically get in relationships an uncommunicated standard that escalates or doesn’t fit reality. That is why I think I find it negative. This can be changed with work and determination.
#BOOM!
(2/13/(21) Proverbs 15:15-16 The Passion Translation (TPT)
“Everything seems to go wrong when you feel weak and depressed. But when you choose to be cheerful, every day will bring you more and more joy and fullness. It’s much better to live simply, surrounded in holy awe and worship of God, than to have great wealth with a home full of trouble.”
This seems to be part of Michelle’s struggle. I prayed with her to reconnect with God. If she will submit to His Lordship and seek His presence, she will find joy and peace and lose her “inner turmoil.”
Mike, Thanks for your thoughts. I would like Michelle to place her hope in God also.
Don, Pr. 14:31 was one of my favorite verses also. It encouraged me to call Michelle, because I knew she was certainly “poor in spirit”.
Good job Joel!
I have struggled with the misconception that accountability always meant I had to apologize for something. Still working to fix that.
Today’s scripture has a lot of key words that have an impact on me:
Vs 2, commit to the Lord
Vs 6, the fear of the Lord
Vs 9, the Lord establishes our steps
Vs 20, blessed is the one who trusts in the Lord
Vs 32, be a patient person
There are others as well, but these hit me today. I need to continue to pray to God and remind me of these key words in my walk with Him daily.
Nice job Paul. 👊🏼👊🏼 Keep it up. I am watching your progress!👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻
Wow this devo hit the nail on the head for me. I struggle with pride in so many areas and have been battling with it. I feel as men in general we battle with this more than women do. The thoughts of ….we are better than we really are…In numerous areas of our lives and it redirects focus away from the glory of our Father to ourselves which is what the evil one wants. As men, in all we do, let’s direct our praise and focus and come humbly to the ONLY One who is worthy of any glorification…not our own gratification! I ask all this in the name of the Father and Son and the Holy Ghost! AMEN!
Awesome Will. Proud of you! 👊🏼👊🏼👊🏼 Keep it going. ⚡️⚡️⚡️
Better to be a humble person walking with the Lord than proud person. The one who does what right in the sight of God. I pray for your help oh God
Have any of you had good, bad or NO experience in an accountability group or relationship?
A bad belief about accountability I have is that it will embarrass me, make me look weak in front of my brother and good friend.
those who guard their ways preserve their lives. Lord help me know where I need to put up my guard.
9 In their hearts humans plan their course,
but the Lord establishes their steps.
We all have glorious and well intentioned plans for our future, but it is His will not ours, that will determine what it is and how we get there.
18 Pride goes before destruction,
a haughty spirit before a fall.
My biggest downfall that I work on every day.
25 There is a way that appears to be right,
but in the end it leads to death.
I won’t be fooled again by taking the way that seems right to man. I want Jesus, the ONLY way, truth and Life!
Being accountable to others can be hard because we have to open up ourselves to them and be ready for any calling out or reproof when we do something wrong. A belief that the other person may not be always looking out for your best interest can creep into the mindset and cause tension in the relationship where there needs to be growth during that time.
I thought I didn’t need accountability now I understand it makes a difference.
I have allows been taught about how important accountability is for everyone. The one thing I have learned is that most men think it’s a good thing, but have a hard time being “vulnerable”. Once we understand that your accountability partner is not there to scold you but encourage you and give you good advice. If you have an accountability partner who seems to scold or express disappointment, my advice is to seek another man.
Let’s continue to sharpen each other!!!
I don’t have any real bad beliefs about accountability. I thinks its great. However, I do reject feelings of vonurabilty and shame that sometimes prohibit me from holding myself accountable to my brothers.
I’m glad we started with throwing out our belief of accountability. I equate it instantly to judgement, and I know it’s not so. God help me to understand the discipline of accountability and lead me to and through the path of righteousness. ??
Have JOY in the day and lighten up on ourselves!
Verse 32 humbly feels like it reflects my image, always practicing patience. God is my accountability partner. He lifts me up in pure positive ways! One day at a time.
Accountability gives another person power over you to be responsible for the change that is God’s alone to work.
This is wrong. It is an expression of brotherhood and iron sharpening iron.
I love accountability and I need it. I just haven’t found someone that I can trust and will be open and honest with me or themselves.
I feel as if like accountability puts someone in charge of you.Who wants to be controlled in this day and age?
Done
Verse 4 The Lord works out everything to its proper end—
even the wicked for a day of disaster. The bad belief about accountability is that you think it must be done on a large scale. I think of the old times, flogging in the middle of town square. God is our accountability partner the only one we need to turn to!
I never thought about accountability for my actions until I came to faith.
All a person’s ways seem pure to them,
but motives are weighed by the Lord.
How often we judge people by their actions but we judge ourselves by our motives, but this goes a step farther. Only god can weigh our motives, only God can judge. So Lord, help me before I react to remember my ways are not always your ways.
16 How much better to get wisdom than gold,
to get insight rather than silver!
God is keeping track of my sin….No he is not!
We live in a secular world and more often then not we like to plan an control our life. When things don,t work out as planned we tend to blame the Lord, where as we should always in all circumstances lean on the Lord. I am one who has done this and sometimes I still have issues with it.
I have a habit of blaming others for situations for the fear of being held accountable. I humbly ask You, Lord to forgive me and help me to release to You ,God all of these issues. AMEN.
Accountability is all about dealing with negative consequences for my actions. This is only a HALF truth. Some of my actions have positive consequences. Proper hygiene is the best example I can think of. Taking care of your health prolongs your life, but NOT taking care of your life shortens it.
Verse 3 is a serious project for me. Working very hard to Commit my way to the Lord, subjecting my desires and personal preference to Gods Word. Starting to make progress . . .
I grew up in a very legalistic religious church. Therefore, accountability to me felt like people imposing rules on me that I didn’t believe/understand. Many years later, after leaving and returning to Christ, I realize that a trusted friend and brother in Christ that can talk honestly into your life (whether for encouragement or rebuke) is very valuable. I still, however, have to remind myself when receiving a rebuke that True friends will speak both encouragement and rebuke into your life. To not rebuke someone who is causing harm to themselves is not loving.
Very helpful to revisit Biblical Accountability.
3 Commit to the Lord whatever you do,
and he will establish your plans.
One aspect of accountability that has been hard for me is in giving someone else the freedom to re-arrange my life a bit.
I agree with Vince’s thoughts here, I have had some negative connotations and almost a gut reaction to the word “accountability”. May I set that aside to learn and grow
6 Through love and faithfulness sin is atoned for;
through the fear of the Lord evil is avoided.
I feel like the fear of the Lord is somewhat lacking in my life, especially when I feel like I can take control of things. If I feared Him more I would hold myself more accountable for my actions as well as my inaction in certain situations.
Verse 2
It is amazing what I can twist in my mind to be acceptable. However, when scrutinized in light of God’s plans and Word, only those things that are truly honorable stand the test. I can so easily skip over this test when I really want something and let my selfishness / pride get in the way.
Regarding accountability, my biggest issue to get over is to believe that it will actually work.
5 The Lord detests all the proud of heart.
Be sure of this: They will not go unpunished
Proud of heart – if we live in a self-determined fashion, saying “If it’s to be , it’s up to me.” or “I am in control of my own destiny”, then we are proud of heart. Lord, please help me to be Jesus led. I claim “I can do all things through Christ who give me strength”, and rebuke my self importance and determination. For me, this is part of dying to self daily.
My accountability partner and I lift each other up in positive ways.
Thank you Jay and Stephen.
Yes, I believe pride keeps us from accountability. And accountability will help us in our walk with our Lord.
Thank you brothers.
Blessings
I have a bad attitude towards a family member, I don’t like her attitude, personality, disposition, she is a grumbler, manipulator and sluggard, she is like book ends with her sluggard and manipulating. How does God, Jesus want me to handle this? I don’t want to be co-dependent or an enabler.
I thought accountability was more about keeping people in line (away from error). Now I know it also includes encouragement to do right.
One thing about accountability is facing your own criticism.
As I was praying that God would reveal a negative thought on accountability it came to me that when failures are made it can turn into shame to face the music but the end product is to no longer live with shame( the place we already are without accountability). In the light of that…. I don’t see any other comments? Where have the men gone?
This is a totally different way to think of accountability. I always thought of it how Vince described it. This is going to be a fame changer and take the shame away. We should be able to go to a brother so that we can be sharpened. It doesn’t mean that we constantly need to be told what we are doing wrong.
Rather we do need discipline when we step out of line and into sin that will result in consequences.
v19- Better to be lowly in spirit along with the oppressed than to share in the plunder with the proud. At times when the distractions of life seem to control me and my time, as I feel far from our lord I ask our lord to do whatever needs to be done to get me refocused on him again i want that lowly position. Not that I want to get far from the lord on purpose but I just find myself there.
A bad belief I have and that I am letting go is that as a pastor I have to have it all together. When I believe this it keeps me from being open and accountable to others.
7 When a man’s ways please the Lord, he makes even his enemies to be at peace with him.
Not sure I have any bad beliefs in accountability but I have been trying to work on this the last year and have even established an accountability partner.
3 Commit to the Lord whatever you do,
and he will establish your plans.
2 All a person’s ways seem pure to them, but motives are weighed by the Lord.
A sobering thought. “You better check yourself before you wreak yourself”
Commit to the Lord whatever you do,
and he will establish your plans. What a truth
Some great verses jump out at me!
9 In their hearts humans plan their course, but the Lord establishes their steps.
17 The highway of the upright avoids evil; those who guard their ways preserve their lives.
20 Whoever gives heed to instruction prospers, and blessed is the one who trusts in the Lord.
28 A perverse person stirs up conflict, and a gossip separates close friends.
Following the lord’s direction
Completed
“In their hearts humans plan their course,
but the Lord establishes their steps.”
As we plan for this year, please establish our steps according to your will!
All of humans ways seem pure, but motives are weighed from the Lord.
God knows our hearts. Create in me a clean heart, oh God. And renew a right spirit within me
Accountability is probably the only thing that’s kept me a Christian when I was younger in my 20s. At the point in my life when I was starting to question things, it was my few Christian guys I was friends with that kept me sticky, not even through any like major things, but just being able to bounce things off each other and learn and grow with one another was big.
I’ve historically thought accountability was a good and righteous thing and happy to have men in my life that provide it.
Accountability is an added burden that will point out my slacking.
V7 struck me. when my ways please the Lord, my enemies will live at peace with me. Encourages my soul as i long for peace with someone close to me, though i know i can’t make them do anything. what i can control is me. Commit to make my ways right before God and trust Him to take care of the rest. Lord, help me do this today, for my heart is weary to be at odds with this person.
Verse 2 is very convicting and speaks to me
“All a man’s ways seem innocent to him but motives are weighed by the LORD”
It makes me stop and think “Am I doing this for the right reasons and with a clear conscience”? “Am I serving, ministering for the kingdom of God, or my kingdom of personal gain” ? Parallels with Philippians 1:15
“It is true that some preach Christ out of envy and rivalry, but others out of goodwill”
We must examine our motives and pray that the LORD search our hearts. We must ask ourselves if we are doing it out of love, or our personal agenda.
accountability sounds better as learning to trust in the Lord to provide guidance, and open and close doors for us:
verse 9 In their hearts humans plan their course,
but the Lord establishes their steps.
Whoever gives heed to instruction prospers, and blessed is the one who trusts in the Lord.
I have seen the Lord bring this verse to life in my life. As simple as it may sound I have committed to do what the Word says without question – whether eliminating something from my life or incorporating something in my life. It hasn’t always been easy, but it has always been a blessing ultimately. We say that we trust the Lord with our eternity, so it should be easier to trust Him with today. Put off the old man and all of his bad habits and put on the new man with a completely fresh beginning.
Verses 1-3 really speak to me the difference between peace and pride.
“The plans of the heart belong to man, but the answer of the tongue is from the Lord. 2 All the ways of a man are pure in his own sight (discretion or justification), but the Lord weighs the motives. 3 Commit your works (plans, thoughts and actions) to the Lord and your plans will be established.
For years I had thought that being accountable is a form of weakness, meaning that you couldn’t do things on your own and needed help. That is so far from the truth though. I now know that being accountable is a form of God given strength.
Accidentally posted my comment in Public Group instead of ISI
Verse 4: God has made even the wicked for his purpose. Thank God that I have been redeemed, despite my own wickedness.
I have a friend from college who has been a great accountability partner, and it’s no coincidence that I’ve ignored him when I have been backsliding. I need more accountability with guys in my church though, to make sure I’m not just taking from the church but giving back as well (not money, we already give that, but my gifts)
I came back to the same verse, check the amplified “even the wicked are fitted for their role”. I read that and am amazed that even in God’s plan not all bad is bad. As we read and study we grow, as we consult each other we edify, we also learn that God has his plan and how he executes it is for our overall benefit.
Iron Sharpens Iron!
Commit to the Lord whatever you do,
and he will establish your plans.
Too often I start my day with my own ideas of how it will go without pausing to offer my day in prayer and ask for God’s guidance.
I’m letting go of my notion that accountability will be embarrassing.
V-3 “Commit to the Lord and he will establish your plans. ” I pray Father that I can be more accountable with all of who I’am to YOU, because when I do this, YOU are ready to show me ALL that I can be in YOU.
The biggest challenge for me is not about the word “accountability” but more the time that goes with accountability. Though this is an excuse, our culture is such a busy culture (kids extracurricular activities, small group, men’s group, youth group, job, daily house chores, house projects, etc, etc, etc). So to add one more “time item” to the plate is a challenge. Thankfully, the men’s group has provided a great avenue for “creating” this time, and affording the opportunity to build closer relationships within it in roder to set up coffee times for accountability. Makes the “excuses” somewhat fade (yes, somewhat…still difficult when busy).
Matt, Leaving margin is the word that comes to mind as I read your post. Having margin with our time, margin with our money, margin with our resources so that we can pour into others when God gives us opportunities. They don’t print the words all the way to the edge of the paper for a reason.
“Better a patient person than a warrior.” I need to take this verse to heart. Wish I would have remembered this when I got
in an argument with a family member a few days ago!
Better to be of a humble spirit with the lowly, Than to divide the spoil with the proud.
My fears have been keeping me from accepting correcting and seeking help of bro’s and sister’s.
It’s like choosing to eat oatmeal forever rather than risking hunger for a feast that I cannot see but has a guarantee from God.
Verse 3 is my challenge today.
I think my bad belief and attitude is that I always want to be right. When I feel like this, I shut the door for some valuable and needed accountability!
Prov 16:23 “A wise man’s heart guides his mouth, and his lips promote instruction.”
The Lord has made everything for it’s purpose. Thank you, God!
3 Commit to the Lord whatever you do,
and he will establish your plans.
20 Whoever gives heed to instruction prospers,
and blessed is the one who trusts in the Lord.
I need to “sell out” to putting God first at all times. I doing so, not only will the plan become clear but I will also receive the step by step instructions. “Plan the work, Work the Plan.” God has the Plan, I just need to work it
All of proverbs touches on so many different qualities required to maintain a healthy relationship with God and also moral values. It’s a breath of fresh air to be reminded of how simple it really can be to show love and be moral. It just requires doing the next right thing all the time!!
My bad belief surrounding accountability is twofold. First that the one I am accountable to will judge me, and second that they will think less of me. Both are centered on my own pride or arrogance. I must trust that God leads the hearts of those I would be accountable to and they will see my heart rather than my failures.
I have been a proponent of accountability for many years. Recently moved and lost the face to fce contact with my Accountability Group. This challenge is helping me with new friends and potential accountability partners. Proverbs speaks so much into accountability.
Verse 16 spoke to me, what am I seeking? Could it be popularity, money, stuff or just that attitude of being looked at in high esteem? Holy Spirit please check my heart. “Get wisdom and understanding” they are much better than my own desires.
32 Better a patient person than a warrior,
one with self-control than one who takes a city.
These words are very powerful. I believe this is part of accountability. Instead of focusing dolly solely on the outcome that I want, and bring angry when it doesn’t happen, I need to ask God to be present through the journey towards the outcome that is his will.
Lord don’t let my heart win out. Let me use the wisdom of this proverb to guide my way. Let my brother hold me accountable.
Grattitude is like a honeycomb. Sweet to the soul and healing to the bones.
Just looking at the topic before listening i was thinking condemnation. I am thankful for this challenge series. Loving God and being thankful for what has given us and spending my thoughts with him has pulled me away from my sinful nature. Now to keep the pride in check
v9 In their hearts humans plan their course, but the Lord establishes there steps.
God’s way or no way! All In!
In my heart I think I have a good plan for a lot of situations , but trusting in God (Holy Spirit) to use my good intentions wisely and to his Glory, is my Prayer ! Lord keep me humble. verse 9
verse 32 speaks to me about accountability because patience is more important with accountability than the ability to slay the “demons” with might, as a warrior would do.
Proverbs 16:6 “By mercy and truth iniquity is purged: and by the fear of the LORD [men] depart from evil.”
We see in this purging a step that Christians must take. We are all saved by faith in Jesus Christ, but we must walk in that saved condition. This purging is the doing away with the sins of the old life. God’s mercy and truth teach us a better way of life. It is our obligation to walk in newness of life (the better way). We must destroy (purge), the old habits.
If we truly love the Lord, we will have reverent fear of Him. We will be continually fearful of falling back into evil. This fear will not be because we are afraid of His punishment, but because we love Him and want to please Him.
“Commit to the Lord whatever you do, and he will establish your plans.”
Proverbs 16:3 NIV
https://www.bible.com/111/pro.16.3.niv
V3 “Commit to the Lord and he will establish your plans. ” Actually fits well with the accountability theme. Commit to the Lord and he will keep us accountable.
Accountability bully who feels he is superior because of my faures.
18. Pride goes before destruction and a haughty spirit before a fall.
Failures
Be a humble servant for the Lord.
Accountability. My belief up until about a year ago was that I didn’t need or want anything to do with being accountable to another Christian man-friend. Boy, was I wrong, stupid, and a prideful fool. We all need a couple of real man-friends for both accountability and confession. Otherwise, we will NEVER reach our potential in Christ. I am learning, believing, and slowly becoming a better Christian day by day/
21 “The wise in heart are called discerning, and gracious words promote instruction.” I need to ensure I’m extending grace before I speak and I’m applying my heart over brain thoughts!
Verse 24 “Pleasant words are a honeycomb, sweet to the soul and healing to the bone.” I have been careful with my words and the tone I use. The positive response from those around me leaves me feeling warm inside. God’s ways are always the right things to do.
Pride goes before destruction, a haughty spirit before a fall.
Proverbs 16:18 This verse speaks to me as one of the biggest hindrances to accountability. Pride equals fear that others may think less of me if they know who I really am.
Very well said Jay……that pride thing has always bit me in the arse at times….to be accountable, to ourselves and our fellow man, will at times indeed make me fearful of what one may think of me.
I know one day we will all be held accountable. And, for me, not being accountable right away leads me to my number one…..procrastination! I do pray as I grow…that I may be humbled when I need to be accountable….and to know that contrary to my”pride”….I will be forgiven.
Had not reflected on accountability before. Very good todo