Accountability

This morning I did the "hill run." I run with a group of people who meet three times a week at 5:15a.m. to run 6 miles. Usually our routes are pretty flat or have one or two minor inclines, but today I was inducted into the hill run. The entire run is 10 miles and features three major inclines; I did a 6-mile, two-hill version. It was a great workout, and during it, I realized something. If I hadn't been running with someone else, there were multiple points at which I would have given up. In fact, if I didn't know that the group was expecting me to be there, I probably never would have gotten out of bed at 5a.m. in the first place.

That is the value of accountability. Most of us have good intentions that we find ourselves revisiting time and time again, thinking, "why can't I get myself to do that?" It might be a routine of prayer or devotion, restricting certain foods, following an exercise schedule, learning a new skill, or finishing a project around the house. For whatever reason, we human beings are created in such a way that most of us benefit from being held accountable.

It would be immensely helpful if God would hold us personally accountable for our spiritual well-being, giving us a celestial nudge (or swift kick in the rear) when we need it. But God chose instead to give us free will...which doesn't mean that we won't find God working to open our eyes to practices that will benefit us and others in ways God desires. This is what the Old Testament prophets were all about: holding God's people accountable in their relationship with God. Our summer Bible Study at FPPC is on how the prophets are still relevant today -- and they are certainly as relevant as ever in calling us to turn back toward God and seek justice for all people. Come join us on Wednesday evenings at 7p.m. And if you are even considering coming, tell someone so that they'll hold you accountable. I bet you'll be glad you did.

If someone had told me a year ago that I would be running several times a week in the wee hours of the morning, I never would have believed it. But having this running group has not only motivated me to get up and out the door, it has also made me look forward to these early morning outings. I've made some new friends, had lots of interesting conversations, and always come home glad I went. Oh, and it's made me a stronger runner, too.