A Friend of Accountability

Did you notice the reference to accountability in the Proverbs 31 devo this week titled, Mean Girls? The point of the story was to encourage us to be more careful with our words and have compassion for others instead of judgement. Good point, but that's not where I'm heading with this post.  
  
Accountability has been the word that keeps popping into my world the past couple of months. First I read the book titled, Bonhoeffer:Pastor, Martyr, Prophet, Spy by Eric Metaxes. Bonhoeffer asked a friend to be his "confessor". 
  
Think accountability partner. A trusted friend in whom Dietrich could share his dreams and ideas, as well as his sin and struggles. A safe place to reveal all that he was, both beautiful and ugly, knowing that his friend would encourage him, challenge him to do better and love him nonetheless.
  
Then Pastor Brent, finished his sermon series on 2 Timothy in chapter four where one of his minor points was that sometimes we need to ask for help. Paul is writing to Timothy and basically says, "I need you; please come quickly."
  
I decided it was time I ask for help. I've struggled with being overly-critical and impatient towards my husband. I've sincerely tried to do better - prayed and read scripture, but the tendancies remained. I knew God saw it all and that should be motivation enough, but I wasn't seeing lasting change. It was time I put myself out there, so I shared the details with a friend who I knew would accept me regardless of what I shared with her as well as pray for me. I figured by having to report my sin to my friend, it might help.
  
It's been a really good month. I believe in the process. I know my friend is praying. There's still work to be done. God is bringing scripture to the forefront that applies to my struggle. I've had to confess some embarrassing moments, but I sense the change taking root.
  
I want to challenge you to think about those behaviors you're so desperate to change but not having the results you desire. Think about the resolutions you've made and how this sort of relationship could be just what you need to make it last. I pray each of you has a friend, like mine, who will love you regardless, be firm with the accountability and lift you up in prayer. ~ Tiffany
  
Proverbs 27: ⁹ Perfume and incense bring joy to the heart,
and the pleasantness of a friend
springs from their heartfelt advice.