It’s true. It’s easier to be patient with my kids when we’re in public rather than when we’re safe and sound behind the closed doors of our little home. Like yesterday. The thirty minutes before actually getting to church showed a much uglier side than the time we spent together in class listening to a missionary share.
Granted, my kids lean towards the shy spectrum. So they’re typically more kind to one another in public. And they don’t talk back as much or as loudly when we’re in public. So it’s easier to respond more gracefully.
But part of it is that I know people are watching. And that’s not necessarily a bad thing. In fact, it reiterates something God has been loudly teaching me recently.
We need accountability
In life. In motherhood. In wifery. (I’m pretty sure that’s not a word.) We all need accountability. We’re not meant to live this life alone.
The enemy loves to isolate us. He loves to whisper the lie that no one else struggles like we struggle. Or that no one would ever understand. But that’s just not true. We’re all basically the same. We all wrestle with our selfish flesh. And we need one another.
Therefore encourage one another and build one another up, just as you are doing.
1 Thessalonians 5:11
So let’s get with people. Invite someone over or confess to a friend. We’re all needy for grace. We’re all needy for accountability. We’re all needy for community.
Fill me, Lord…
How have you seen accountability prove to be vital in your own life?
This was very needed today, Lara, because the enemy was feeding me a lie. A lie that I was a burden to the person that I consider my accountability partner, who tells me the truth and speaks truth into my life. Often times I am in a hole when we talk and she helps turn my eyes to Jesus. So vital to keeping me on track!
The enemy is a liar. Always. We need one another. God designed us for community. I guess there is a place for wisdom. We do need to stay cautious that we’re not depending on others more than on God. Seeking Him first and foremost. But! We were definitely designed to be in community, encouraging one another and carrying each other’s burdens.
the most important time of accountability for me came in overcoming my eating disorder. a couple of times i quit going to counseling but realized i needed more support than that. i didn’t want a friend to have to take on that responsibility, so i put myself back out there with a counselor. in the parenting and wifery (gotta be a word) realms my sister had been the best. we can tell each other all.of.it. and i agree, going it alone? not so easy.
I totally agree. Especially in our “addictions.” We definitely need to be real and raw — first with God and then with a trusted believing friend who can walk with us through those dark places. He’s so gracious to give us one another. Hugs to you, sister.