Accountability Anyone?

“So in everything, do to others what you would have them do to you, for this sums up the Law and the Prophets.” (Matthew 7:12)

So, if Jesus came to fulfill the Law, does that mean we don't have to do this? Just kidding.

I wish time had a pause button. If it did, then just before I was about to treat someone in a way other than how I want to be treated, I could push Pause and evaluate the situation for a moment to come up with a more appropriate action. Then release the Pause and do the right thing. In my own experience, most of the time when I am way off base in my actions, it is spur-of-the-moment, spontaneous, knee-jerk reaction to whatever. Rarely do I pre-meditate and then chose the wrong path when given the opportunity to process first. But, rarely do I get the opportunity to think through things before responding or acting and inevitably end up treating people poorly. Typically those "people" are the ones closest to me whom I love the most.

It's times like these when I realize the depravity of my own heart and how much I need Jesus.

Another take on this verse, though I have no idea if it is intended or not, is this: Being really honest with others, especially in the area of accountability. When I think about how I want to be treated, one component I wish for is loving, respectful accountability and honesty. I want to know when my actions don't reflect Jesus. I want to know where others see God at work in my life. But I don't necessarily treat others this way. Hmm... why not? I guess because a.) I don't have confidence in my ability to come across as loving and respectful. and b.) because I don't know if it works to offer this relational dynamic without being given permission. Our culture doesn't seem very open to this type of interaction.

Maybe the order of those observations is the key - maybe it is by being someone who is loving and respectful of others, you find yourself in relationships where the accountability dynamic occurs more naturally and evolves from the place of trust. Trust which has been groomed by the love and respect. (This certainly hold true for the very few relationships I have that sort of have this.)

Which certainly explains why I don't see this dynamic in many of my relationships. May God cause my heart and my actions to overflow with love for others, that I may live according to this verse and see depth and strength of relationships where accountibility is a welcome, natural byproduct of love and respect for one another. He and I sure have some work to do!