Are you proud of your accountability?

I ask that because over the years, I have had many talks with various men who have hesitated to install accountability software on their phones or join accountability groups because, ironically, they fear that others will think they have something to hide.

The thought process goes something like this.

If people think I need to be held accountable then they will assume I have problems too.

Of course, unfortunately, there is some truth in this.

People do in general like to single out the dysfunctions of their peers rather than take a closer look at themselves.

It’s called hypocrisy, and it’s rampant.

However, regardless of what others think, the reality is that accountability is not about hiding one’s problems. It’s about sharing your life with a group of close friends can help you avoid future issues and increase your chances of achieving personal success.

If we are open to talking about our struggles with lust, financial irresponsibility, pride, or marriage we put ourselves in a position to hear truth and encouragement from others around us, who can serve as a system of support when life gets rough.

Although it may be uncomfortable and go against our natural tendencies, I’d like to challenge you to not just find accountability, but value and embrace it.

Wear it like a badge of honor because accountability is not shameful, it’s integrity in action.

Consider these three reasons I say that.

First, accountability is not about hiding problems. It’s about exposing them.

There is nothing more admirable than a person who isn’t afraid to admit they have some dirty laundry. When you are authentic enough to say, “Hey, I struggle with stuff like everybody else” you show people that you aren’t afraid to be “real.”

I love talking to people who “keep it real.” Why? Because I know exactly where they are coming from.

Of course, the opposite is true of those who are afraid of admitting they have flaws like everyone else.

Those people I avoid.

I don’t want a sugarcoated version of reality. I can’t stand a painted-on smile and a weak handshake. Give me the truth … all of it, or peddle your crap somewhere else.

Guys who seek accountability are the ones I want to surround myself with because I know they have nothing to hide, and therefore I can trust them.

Second, as I said, accountability is a good preventive for major problems.

I’m far more prone to align myself with people who practice accountability than those who don’t because I’m reducing the risk of getting sucked into someone’s moral collapse. In ministry, I can’t stress this enough.

Leaders who have weak systems of accountability in their lives are people I’m not following or listening to.

Why?

Simply because I don’t want to waste my energy on a mission that’s destined to fail because its leaders refuse to be accountable and maintain checks and balances in their lives.

Weak leaders don’t practice accountability.

They just want to surround themselves with “yes men” because they are afraid of being challenged.

Leaders like that are problems waiting to happen, and I’m not putting myself in a position to feel the fallout of their bad decisions.

However, a leader who takes responsibility and is willing to be held accountable instills confidence in me since I’m aware they’re taking measures to reduce the potential for any personal compromises.

Lastly, those who embrace accountability are often good leaders.

This is closely related to my previous point. Strong leaders are just that … strong. They aren’t fearful of accountability.

They don’t cringe at the idea of a challenge.

Good leaders maintain strong accountability because they know that doing so reduces the chances of them leading others right off a cliff.

They recognize that wise counsel will just enhance their leadership potential, not damage it.

I’m never following leaders who aren’t accountable and open about it because in my opinion they just aren’t true leaders … they are weak people with strong opinions.

Show off your accountability and set yourself apart as an individual with strong leadership potential.

These are just three reasons that I believe we need to be proud of our accountability. There are plenty more.

Openness and accountability display integrity and authenticity, two things that tend to be in short supply in modern-day society.

Imagine if our leaders (church, political, whatever) stopped being so concerned about maintaining appearances and just stayed accountable with their decisions.

How much better off would we all be?

By the way, this month we just launched X3watch 2.0. A new recovery-focused bundling service that includes accountability software, courses, and so much more.

Learn more about X3watch 2.0 here!

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