An Ember to Remember: Accountability
Accountability is a formidable force that serves as a reservoir to guard the integrity of individuals, communities, or networks. Accountability practiced “consistently” on an individual level and collectively protects, preserves, and provides the leverage needed for people to thrive and not be stiffened or stripped because of others' lack of awareness or negligence.
Accountability is imperative in all matters, from small to great, as we learn to hold ourselves and those close to us accountable. These matters can be as small as ensuring a relative receives their yearly check-up from their primary care provider or, on a greater level, ensuring a close friend does not drive home while intoxicated to prevent a tragic accident.
Accountability | The Man in Mirror
Accountability is a form of self-reflection that begins from within. The Merriam-Webster dictionary defines it as the obligation or willingness to accept responsibility for one's actions. As discussed, accountability is deeply rooted in our morals, ethics, and belief systems. Without a clear understanding of these, we cannot hold ourselves accountable. It's not just about fulfilling our responsibilities but also about gaining a deeper understanding and being transparent about our shortcomings.
The more we learn to correct or hold ourselves accountable for great and small matters, the more we become assets to the spaces and places around us.
Accountability Extended Beyond Us
Though accountability starts on a personal level or within, it can and should also be done in connection with others. No human being possesses a superb amount of perfection or excellence to hold themselves accountable on a “consistent” basis, from the smallest to the most significant matters where accountability is needed.
For accountability to be effective, it's not enough to hold ourselves accountable alone; we must also hold others accountable and allow them to extend this gesture to us. A shared standard set of beliefs and behaviors is crucial when holding each other accountable. People cannot share responsible actions if they do not believe or agree with them. People cannot hold others accountable when they are not trying to live by such beliefs or behaviors. Therefore, developing a shared understanding among each other is an essential aspect of effective accountability. Accountability accounts across all connections, including family, friends, associates, employer/employee, neighbors, etc. However, one thing to remember when holding others accountable at their discretion is “FREE WILL” – God does not force but exhorts His ways on us; we also must be the same with others.
The stronger our accountability for ourselves and others, the greater the preservation of the integrity of our personal communities and a network of people or society.
Accountability | A Response to Our Responsibility
Accountability is simply a response to our responsibility. These responsibilities revolve around our beliefs, moral behaviors, and ethical perspectives. Our accountability dictates how we act behind closed doors, our willingness to be consistent or see something through from start to finish, how we treat people we need or believe we do not need, our willingness and humility to apologize when we’re wrong, and an effort to amend things, whether it is received or not, etc. Accountability is also our willingness to be accountable through correction and good judgment by others.
Though accountability can sometimes seem harsh, shameful, and baiting, it’s one of the most significant acts and extensions of LOVE. Its nature can be very confrontational, requiring a deep reflection of oneself first to be corrected and sustained, then extending this act to others. Accountability enhances our well-being and that of those around us. If tightly grasped, accountability can save one from wasting time, money, and resources and even help prevent detrimental health issues.
Simple and short – to hold ourselves accountable and to be held accountable by others can serve as a blockage, a prevention for us not to stumble.
Proverbs 27:17 | As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another.
Galatians 6:1 | Brothers, if anyone is caught in any sin, you who are spiritual [that is, you who are responsive to the guidance of the Spirit] are to restore such a person in a spirit of gentleness [not with a sense of superiority or self-righteousness], keeping a watchful eye on yourself, so that you are not tempted as well.
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