Accountability – willingness to accept responsibility or to account for one’s actions.

“Perhaps nothing in our society is more needed for those in positions of authority than accountability. Too often those with authority are able (and willing) to surround themselves with people who support their decisions without question.” – Unknown

I really like this quote I reminds me that we all have a tendency to only accept those who agree with us and leave the rest out. The problem with this is often times for us hardheaded people we need resistance to grow. We need others to challenge our thinking. Like the pearl in the oyster it is formed from the small grain of sand that irritates the oyster. Often those who help us to grow the most are those who cause irritation. They stretch our thinking, our patience and our ability to love. So to my point about EXTENDING Accountability. When we allow those who differ from us to call us to account, accepting their opposition with grace and love, knowing that nothing comes into our lives without God’s permission. We are showing our children how to be accountable. We are extending this much-needed tool. We are sowing it into their lives. To often we don’t say we are sorry when we are wrong. We don’t own our mistakes and try to make amends, reaching for unity. Instead, we blame and criticize the people who cause us to grow the most, stagnating our own growth. In this thinking – “They just don’t understand what I am going through.” It is possible that you also are NOT understanding by being so defensive. Seek to Love…seek to bring unity and not division…seek to accept opposition..and be accountable. Knowing that you are extending a valuable tool to those who are watching you.