Friday, August 26, 2011

EDITABILITY

I had a conversation with someone yesterday and it centered on the topic of accountability. Men's groups are famous for wanting this element, and it isn't a bad element at all - it is preferred and desired, in fact. But here's the thing ... it doesn't usually happen.

'Everyone needs someone who can ... edit the tar out of them.'

Oh sure, you can sit around a living room with the Ten Big Accountability Questions of the Week:
'Have you spent time with God this week?'
'Has your thought life been pure?'
'Have you compromised your integrity in any way?'
'How much time did you spend in prayer?'
'Did you place yourself in an awkward situation with a woman?'
'Are you on track with God, financially speaking?'
'Did you control your tongue?'
'How were you tempted this week and how did you respond?'
'Have you been engaged in pornographic material?'
'Did you share your faith with someone?'
etc etc etc..

Great questions all. The only problem is ... you can LIE. You can decide to not be accountable and act as if you are. You can keep 'double books' - a set for your team - and a set for yourself.

I've had people volunteer to be my accountability partner. Frankly, when someone comes right up to me and VOLUNTEERS for that, I want to run from that person as fast as I can. Something about that scenario doesn't sit well.

L. Sweet calls it 'editability.' It's not an actual word that I know of, but I still like it a whole lot better.

Everyone needs someone who can walk right up to them and flat-out edit the tar out of them ... someone who can ask questions ... someone who can get under their skin ... someone who can tell the truth the way it needs to be told - straight and with a heavy dose of love.

We're always looking for someone we can edit, but far more than that, we need someone to edit us.

And be blessed.

1 comment:

Joanna said...

What have you found is a good solution to the fact that you want to turn and run the other way? I think for me, the fear of rejection is what tempts me the most to lie and or run in the opposite direction when asked an honest question...I have found that practicing with those who will NEVER "unlove" you helps. Mine is my mother. She has seen me at my worst and still wants to be around me. :)So i find it easier to be accountable with her. It doesn't shock her...