Maybe this should be called Thursday Thoughts because, yet again, I have posted it on Thursday. However, I am afraid that if I called it that, it would move to Friday (a day late) and I would have to call it Friday (hmmm… what’s a good word to go there?).
So, I apologize that this is late again.
Today, I want to talk about something that has helped me tremendously in my quiet times: accountability. Accountability is being held accountable by a friend, sister, mother, etc., for doing your devotions. It can be helpful to have someone that will “check-up” on you (and you can check up on her, too).
The purpose is not “devotion police”. The purpose is to encourage one another. It helps to know that someone else is doing her devotions regularly. In addition, it is great to know that someone cares. However, please do not become prideful if you are consistent and she is not!
Encourage one another with Scripture, prayer, and sharing what you have read and learned. This cements what you have learned in your mind, and it is wonderful to get someone else’s input, too. I know girls who give each other verses written on different index cards to read and meditate upon each day. This is a wonderful way to supplement your devotions! You could also do a study together on a concept, reading separately each day, and coming together later (maybe once a week) to discuss.
The main point is that you have someone to urge you to fight against fleshly desires (sleep, school-work, computer, and whatever else tempts you to neglect your time with the Lord). It is also encouraging when you go through “dry spells,” times when the Word seems dull, prayer seems meaningless, and you feel distracted and weary, to have someone who is joyful in the Word.
So, I encourage you to find someone who will help you stay consistent and faithful in your times with the Lord. May you sharpen one another in your pursuit of Christlikeness.
“Two are better than one, because they have a good reward for their toil. For if they fall, one will lift up his fellow. But woe to him who is alone when he falls and has not another to lift him up!” Ecclesiastes 4:9-10
“Iron sharpens iron,
and one man sharpens another.” Proverbs 27:17
