Accountability

This word sparks feelings of resentment in me. My response is a result of my experiences with those blinded by the illusion that physical strength is the sole requirement of leadership. That view sees leading as a hiearchy where control comes from the top, goes in one direction, down, and obedience comes from the bottom up. Accountability is where, when the rules are broken, the offender is punished in some way by his superior. The inherent idea is of violent domination. Fear accrues the good things in life to the one who is at the top. All others aspire to and compete for positions of similar advantage.This value system is the godless concept of survival of the fittest.

Accountability only works if it is mutual. In reality, a leader has more to account for than the ones he leads. "To whom much is given, much will be required." (Luke 12:48)

The term that I prefer to use is submission. Whereas you would not love or trust the one you are accountable to, submission is a voluntary act of love, done to the one we know has our best interests at heart. Remember that Jesus said, "If you love me, you will obey my commandments." (John 14:15)

Submission is synonymous with humility, which to me, means teachability. To learn, we must surrender our pride. Then we can see that He is worthy to receive only our best. We can honor and glorify Him. When we lift Him up, exalting Him, He in turn lefts us up with Him, creating a powerfully supportive community of love.