Day 15…Proverbs 27:17

"As iron sharpens iron, so one man sharpens another.” (Proverbs 27:17) 

Notes from the devotional:

• Men need accountability as much as women (in my opinion probably more so!).
• Men find accountability difficult for at least four reasons:
  1. Fear of rejection
  2. Embarrassment
  3. Fear giving up control
  4. Do not like facing negative feelings

My notes:

• After all these years as a man seeking God, I have yet to find an accountability partner. But the reason for this is I have purposely not sought one – for the very reasons listed above. I have not allowed myself to get close to people to the point that they can know my weaknesses and the thorns in my side.
• Women seem to find close intimate relationships with other women and find such accountability. Men, however, do not. We prefer to keep others at arms’ length – if we let others in, we have to admit weakness, failure, falling short of God on a daily basis. To admit these things, is, well, not “manly” in the eyes of the world.
• I prefer email and texting to actual talking on the phone – it is less personal, and I have more control over the flow of conversation and information. Actual conversation is to personal, leaves me to bare and vulnerable, and I may slip up and let others see the chinks in my armor.
• I would bet that most men feel this way, which is why we fall into so many traps – substance abuse, gambling, pornography, affairs – they are all slippery slopes that, without accountability, can be all to easy to fall into.
• I thank God for my bible study group and close friends, and most especially for my wife. But I am still missing that close accountability that provides that extra layer of spiritual protection against the world. Because of that, I have to work extra hard to avoid the wiles of this world.
• Dear Heavenly Father, I pray for accountability. I pray that you would reveal the man in my life that can sharpen me and my spiritual walk much as iron sharpens iron. I desire with all my heart to be a man after your own heart, and do not want any earthly weaknesses to distract me from you. In addition to making an effort to spend more time with you, your word, and in prayer, I need accountability here in this world to grow more like you. Remove my fear and reluctance about opening myself up to others to remove all obstacles to you. Lord, I ask these things of you in order to honor you and make you proud of me. Amen.

Personal challenge:

• If you’re already in an accountability group, thank God for each of the other men. If you’re not, ask God if he’s leading you to join one.

~~from Men of Integrity: A Daily Guide to the Bible and Prayer (1999)~~