In sports, relationships, and the workplace, we can always count on mistakes being made...and ongoing expectations not being met.
Healthy environments and relationships, however, require an agreed upon standard to live by - holding each other accountable so that growth and unity can take place.
An example of this is happening with the Philadelphia Eagles right now. Although Super Bowl champions, they suffered a tough 23-21 loss to Minnesota on Sunday and find themselves 2-3 at this point in the season.
Even so, head coach Doug Pederson made this encouraging comment about his team:
“But our guys are competitive. I think that’s the culture we’ve created, and that part of it. If we didn’t have that, there would probably be some more issues going on. But the fact that the guys want it so bad and they are standing up and holding each other accountable, I think that’s a credit to the players.”
Eagles Pro Bowl right tackle, Lane Johnson, gave up a sack that led to a forced fumble and a Vikings touchdown on Sunday, but he's holding himself accountable by saying, "I gotta pick my game up. I’ll bite the bullet on this one. I know I’m capable of being a great player...we have to be accountable. It starts with me and goes right down the line."
The Orlando Magic is another great example, as the team tries to build a different culture (that involves winning) with a new head coach.
The Athletic wrote an article with the headline: “Magic Players are Learning About Steve Clifford, and He’s Holding Them Accountable.” The article quoted Clifford with this explanation:
“We were just starting to get to know each other, just getting up to speed of having a comfort level with each other where you start to communicate. So much of player-coach is agreeing on how they need to play so they’re playing well and the team functions well.”
The principles of accountability that lead to growth and unity also translate to our own lives. As followers of Jesus, accountability is a crucial rhythm for us to fully embrace. We must push each other to live by the standards God sets for us in His Word.
Luke 17:3 (AMP) gives us this important challenge: “Pay attention and always be on guard ! If your brother sins and disregards God’s precepts, solemnly warn him; and if he repents and changes, forgive him.”
As we do life together, we “agree on how we need to play” and then communicate openly about where we’re slipping and how we can help each other grow.
First of all, we must “Stop lying to each other; tell the truth, for we are parts of each other and when we lie to each other we are hurting ourselves” (Ephesians 4:25 - TLB).
When we own our mistakes, instead of denying them, we take responsibility for our bad decisions. This creates an atmosphere that allows others to call us out when we need them to.
Hebrews 3:12-13 (CSB) provides this impactful warning: “Watch out, brothers and sisters, so that there won’t be in any of you an evil, unbelieving heart that turns away from the living God. But encourage each other daily, while it is still called today, so that none of you is hardened by sin’s deception.”
Today, let’s surround ourselves with people we can trust, so we hold each other accountable...always pointing toward Jesus and His loving grace.
I’m Bryce Johnson and you can unpack that!
PRAYER: Heavenly Father, I know I fall short often, but I rest in Your grace as I strive to follow Your ways. I know the importance of repentance and moving forward, and pray I’d have the right people holding me accountable in this journey of growth. In Jesus’ name, I pray, Amen.
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