Hey Dads!
Welcome to the episode 3 of the DadCast!
My hope is that this can be a resource to help and encourage dads from every walk of life to be better dads, to be more deliberate dads.
Dads, your kids need you to be the best dad you can be. Your wife, too, needs you to be the best dad you can be.
Your calling as a dad is one of the most important roles you will ever be given the responsibility to fulfill. My goal is to help you succeed in that.
In this episode of the DadCast, I want to talk about one of the foundational elements in a dad’s life.
Accountability.
This episode of the DadCast is loosely based on what I’ve learned about accountability over the years.
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Episode Notes
DadCast Encouragement
Accountability.
Several years ago, I read a book called The Man In The Mirror, by Patrick Morley. While this isn’t specifically a book about dads, it is a must-read for any man to become the man God has created him to be. And in that regard, it should be required reading for any dad.
In The Man In The Mirror, Morley writes a chapter called Accountability: the Missing Link. I reread this chapter once a year, usually in October, simply to remind myself just how important it is that I succeed in my role as a Christian, as a husband, and as a father.
Dadhood Resources
How To Be A Great Dad!
Why Is Accountability Important?
- Definition of Accountability: To be regularly answerable for each of the key areas of my life to qualified people.
- Simply put: Accountability is giving someone the ability and the permission to speak into my life and ask the hard questions.
Scripture that speaks of accountability
- Galatians 6:1-2:
Brothers, if someone is caught in a sin, you who are spiritual should restore him gently. But watch yourself, or you also may be tempted. Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ. - Philippians 2:4:
Ea>ch of you should look not only to your own interests, but also to the interests of others. - John 13:34:
A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. - Ecclesiastes 4:9:10:
Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their work: If one falls down, his friend can help him up. But pity the man who falls and has no one to help him up! - Proverbs 27:6:
Wounds from a friend can be trusted, but an enemy multiplies kisses. - Proverbs 27:17:
As iron sharpens iron, so one man sharpens another.
How often should accountability occur?
- Regularly.
- Weekly, every other week, at the very least.
- Consistency is key.
In What Areas Should I Be Held Accountable?
- In my relationship with God:
- Am I reading the Bible?
- Am I spending time in prayer?
- How am I growing?
- Areas of temptation.
- In my relationship with my wife:
- My attitudes.
- Time spent with her, such as date nights, daily conversations.
- Do I show her my respect?
- How am I helping her in her relationship with Christ?
- In my relationships with my kids:
- Am I spending quality time with them?
- Am I spending a significant quantity of time with them?
- How am I shaping their values and beliefs?
- Am I monitoring and helping in their spiritual growth?
- In the use of my time and money:
- Where have I spent my time?
- Where have I spent my money?
- Am I consistently being a good steward and tithing?
- What about my debt?
- Moral and Ethical Successes and Struggles
- How am I acting in public: at work? at church? other areas?
- In what areas am I struggling/failing?
Who should I pick to help me with this?
- Qualified people.
- Maybe one person for all areas.
- Maybe a different person in each of the key areas.
- Do not choose a woman for any of these areas! This could create compromising situations where you are growing closer to another woman instead of your wife.
- Keep it simple. The more complex you make it, the harder it will be to keep it going. You’ll get overwhelmed.
Above all: keep it honest.
Show Your Kids Today That You Love Them!
So how do we apply this to our family life today? Here are a few ideas I think can help:
- First, and obviously, find an accountability partner. Establish a meeting time with someone else who can boost you to become a better dad, a better man, a better Christian.
- Be open and honest as you build this relationship. Will it be hard? You bet! But it will be worth it to protect yourself from failure as a husband and as a dad, and as a believer. Your kids will benefit from it tremendously!
Summary Question
Do you have a consistent accountability relationship? If yes, what have you found that helps? If no, what’s keeping you from starting one today? You can leave your thoughts in the comments section below.
Be deliberate, Dad!
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