By Drake Hunter | Commentary, Rocky Mountain Voice
When discussing accountability as leaders, we often think about who’s accountable to us.
But, hold up a second. What about you? Do you hold yourself accountable to life’s goodness, navigating it with integrity and grace? Or are you on a power trip, unsure of what accountability means?
Let’s face it, many people confuse accountability with responsibility, or worse, they think it’s about being in tune with their feelings, intuitions and desires. Well, that’s part of it, but let’s break it down. Accountability is much deeper and is the secret sauce to living a meaningful and peaceful life. Yes, both.
Here’s a powerful truth: life takes on a new dimension when you realize that the ultimate responsibility always rests with you. Prosperity and peace are not gifts that simply land in your lap; they become more attainable when you embrace accountability. It’s not just a task; it’s the pathway to a richer, more fulfilling life.
As we navigate our Christian journey, let’s delve into the heart of the matter. What are you personally accountable for in your life? Are you yielding the harvest that God expects? Romans 14:12 leaves no room for ambiguity: “So then, each of us will give an account of ourselves to God.” This is not a vague concept of accountability; it’s a call to live out our responsibility to mirror God’s glory in our daily actions.
Accountability means we’re responsible for how we live, how we treat others, and how we contribute to the bigger picture. And there are no shortcuts, no shifting of blame. The ultimate responsibility rests squarely with you.
Accountability isn’t just a buzzword; it’s a power tool that delivers actual results. It’s about owning your actions, behavior, and personal growth as a human being. Christians are called to be accountable to God’s glory by producing the fruits of the Spirit: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control (Galatians 5:22-23). These aren’t just nice ideas to stick on a refrigerator magnet. These are the behaviors and actions that make the world a little less broken and a lot more hopeful. And remember, the buck that President Harry S. Truman spoke of? Yep, it’s still with you.
To shape the future, we must take responsibility for the present. Accountability is not a heavy burden, it’s the key to personal and spiritual growth. It’s about tuning in to wisdom and cultivating reverence for the Lord. And when I say wisdom, I’m talking about your source of insight: Is it the Tree of Life (God) or the Tree of the Knowledge of Good and Evil (the world)?
My suggestion? Get yourself an accountability partner for every role in your life: personal, professional, parenting or otherwise. Proverbs 27:17 nails it: “Iron sharpens iron, and one person sharpens another.” Find someone who sharpens you and helps you grow into the person God designed you to be.
Let’s make this deeply personal. What’s one area of your life where you’ve been avoiding accountability? Name it. Own it. And today, start making a plan to change it.
Maybe it’s a tough conversation you’ve been dodging or an aspect of your spiritual life that needs real attention. Whatever it is, know that the buck stops with you. Accountability isn’t a punishment; it’s your pathway to purpose. Step up, step in and see how much brighter the world looks when you’re walking in God’s will and holding yourself to a higher standard of accountability. And always remember, the buck stops with you.
Editor’s note: Opinions expressed in commentary pieces are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of the management of the Rocky Mountain Voice, but even so we support the constitutional right of the author to express those opinions.