Blessed is the Accountable One

Wednesday, October 26
Blessed Is The Accountable One
By: Pastor Shane Beauvais

Psalm 1:1–3 NIV
Blessed is the one who does not walk in step with the wicked or stand in the way that sinners take or sit in the company of mockers, but whose delight is in the law of the LORD, and who meditates on his law day and night. That person is like a tree planted by streams of water, which yields its fruit in season and whose leaf does not wither— whatever they do prospers

We do not have to look very far to notice a lack of accountability in our world. 
Most of what is reported through various media platforms defines this troubling issue daily. 
We have been molded to focus on ourselves for most of our lives. “What do I want to do?” 
“Who do I want to be?” 
“What is best for me?”
 We have become comfortable leading ourselves toward whatever we desire. 
There is nothing wrong with achieving in this life. However, here is the problem. 
Without accountability, our human nature can get in the way. 
What begins as a quest for independence can transform into a pathway of pride and arrogance if we’re not careful. 
You may be reading this saying “not me” while feeling extremely defensive, and that’s okay! I, too, felt defensive while writing! 
Why? Because we are all hard-wired for independence and accountability sometimes makes us uncomfortable. 
If you read Psalm 1:1-3, you will see that this passage is a call to righteousness. You may be wondering what righteousness has to do with accountability. 

Well, everything! Righteousness has everything to do with accountability! 
Every situation, every experience, and every action requires us to make a choice, and how we choose impacts, to some degree, the result of our selection. Accountability guides wisdom, a pearl of much-needed wisdom required for us to discern between the two paths (righteousness and wickedness) and where those paths lead (happiness and destruction).
I do not know about you, but I want to strive daily to make the best choices. I know that doing this will take accountability. 
Thomas Paine said, “Anyone holding themselves accountable to nobody ought not to be trusted by anybody.” Accountability shapes us so we can be the most effective in our practices. Above all, vertical accountability will help direct us in our horizontal actions.
Like the Psalmist claims in verse three, I want to be that person preoccupied with the Word of God, fruitful and rooted, never lacking, secured by an ever-flowing stream, finding delight in the law of the Lord.
In order to do so, I need accountability, someone willing to shape me, assist in the pruning, look out for my best interest when I cannot see it for myself, and offer corrective insight. I need another perspective that continually provides nourishment so my roots can reach deeper and deeper into the soil. Accountability empowers me to not only be in control of my actions but surrounds me with influences that ensure my leaves do not wither. 
To whom are you held accountable? 
Blessed is the Accountable one.