I'm joining weight watchers tomorrow...there are two big reasons that weight watchers works. The first is that they make it easy to keep track.
The second reason is accountability.
I believe that (as people), we don't like to have accountability - that's pride. When we get to the point where we recognize that we need accountability, that's when we make progress.
It can be the same way in some areas of our walk with God.
I have some problem areas - it's when I recognize them and have accountability that I make progress.
There is a danger, though.
Doing right does not equal being right. It's progress; a step. But doing right, instead of making the heart change, only leads to morality, not righteousness. Following the right rules does not bring us closer to God. Coming closer to God brings us closer to following the right rules.
At the beginning of the year I posted a whole year's worth of Bible reading (and I'm not reading the September readings). I went into the year saying that I'm going to read the whole Bible - but it might take me more than a year. I was going to read where God led (and I've been a few growth-prompting places) and in between these times I was going to read the structured readings. And I have done that. I have found that even the accountability that having it posted on my blog brings (as well as the piece of paper in my Bible) helps.
(Going back to the weight loss - when I write down what I eat, even that makes me think about what I'm doing. Having a structured plan (and weigh in with accountability) keeps me writing.)
There is a "situation" at work...
I know that one of the areas that I can get sucked into (if I'm not careful) is gossip. And it came up today. I'm only at this school for another week and I don't want to get tripped up. (relating to food...who hasn't gotten tripped up?)
I am determined to be open with accountability in order to keep my nose out of the gossip mill.
I think that everybody has an area (or areas) where they can use accountability...a lot of us don't like it. But coming to the point of recognizing that we need it is the first step.
Carrie
Great points here. In fact, I may quote you on my blog.
I was just thinking about an area at work that I need to work on. The problem for me is finding an accountability partner. Sometimes there is no one around to hear what I say and correct me.
Jennifer Cote
What an excellent observation on "doing right" or "being right"! And the "accountability" approach- very helpful. Another approach I use with weight issues is- keeping my focus on God. I try to check myself: Is my focus on what I'm going to eat in three hours, or on what God is at the moment blessing me with? His blessings are awesome, and I fully enjoy whatever food I end up with MORE when I haven't focused on it. I ask God to bless that food, and He truly does.
Thanks for your post today, by the way.
Ellen
thanks for quoting me...I believe I stole that one from a friend.
Jennifer, thanks for stopping by - for me, impulse is a hard thing to get around. If I remember to ask God in the morning to keep my mind focused - He does (my mornings are "hectic")
Right now, I need to work on getting them more organized (as in this moment I need to follow my plan for lunches and outfits)...
😉
Jennifer Cote
Ellen,
I'd be curious if this really works for anyone else, because it worked for me. I'm around food all day, being chef/owner of a sandwich shop. In morning prep times, there is much opportunity to snack, if one chooses to. When confronted with impulse, I would take that bit of food that seemed incredibly enticing, and set it aside for the moment. I'd tell myself I could have it in one hour. Eventually, the impulse foods seemed to loose their power. I'd look at this chunk of food an hour later, and it wouldn't seem tempting at all. If you ever happen to try this, let me know if it helps!
Ellen
setting stuff aside never worked for me - but if I don't have it in my house, I can wait to get it...