Accountability

"Know ye not ye are the temple of God.....if any man defile the temple, him shall God destroy... II Cor. 3:14-17

I've been working in a small town in Missouri this week.  The office is on the town  square, also the County Seat.  A sedate old courthouse graces the middle of the little town. I have a big window in the office and can see the coming and going of all the county this week.

Somehow this gathering place for accountability for hundreds of people has intrigued me. I've watched dignified people walk into it. But mostly the common people enter the doors. I wonder how their lives are changed by the accountability they face within those walls. If you live in this county, you will probably be answerable for something within this edifice at some point in your life.. it's what the governing of people is all about. It can be good or it can be negative.  It depends upon how each person handles his accountability.

One source says:

How true!! Our choices always affect our circumstances....

I took a van load of youth to visit the Missouri State Capitol not so long ago. We were intrigued by the money and planning that went into this monumental building. Walking the halls, we sensed a certain amount of awe. We were quiet as we stood in the lawmaking chambers and reflected on how the decisions made there affect us daily!

We took pictures of ourselves on the steps where thousands have climbed to make laws. It was also gratifying to know we have a structure of government that seemed to be protecting us. That is debatable these days, but the idea of what our founding fathers established was a good thing: making us all accountable. 

The U.S Capitol Building in Washington D.C. Is even more beautiful and imposing. I have visited it dozens of times and am always overwhelmed at the power and authority that lies within the confines of those halls. Our country was founded on accountability and that is what made it great. Unfortunately, our present generation is not wanting to take responsibility for themselves in so many things, resulting in chaos and a lack of protection over its citizens.

 

For the last several weeks, I have been changing my eating habits. I was having some health issues I needed to address, and from experience, I know what I need to change in my food consumption. I had a little accountability in my plan. I was doing great, but also aware that accountability to yourself can weaken quickly. We've all been there; done that. Traditionally, change in lifestyle lasts a week or two and fizzles.

I was blessed to be invited into an accountability group that I felt comfortable with.  It has worked wonders for me. Every evening, we make each other accountable for the goals we are working toward. It's been very strengthening and enlightening, as well. Having others involved has been a great choice!

This morning, my devotional scripture was the Corinthians passage about our bodies being the temple of God... we are not our own. I was challenged again to be accountable to God for everything in my life. I cannot isolate any thing in my life from Him.. and if I choose to think I can, He will cause circumstances to evolve to get my attention! 

Thank you, Father, for creating this kind of necessary accountability in relationships, in government, and in my daily personal life.  It really works!!