I have a confession to make.

I've been on the hunt for an accountability partner--someone to check me regularly as I press to do better and be better in various areas of life. I like to refer to it as a "checkmate".

As much as many of us (myself included) would prefer not to depend on others, it's a fundamental truth that people need other people. Every moment interacting with someone is an opportunity to connect with a person who just may end up being vitally important in your life.

Although we can trust no man like we can trust the Creator, we can't escape the need to cultivate meaningful, productive relationships on every level--personally, professionally and spiritually.

Doesn't matter who you are or what you do, no one is above needing a little nudge, a persistent shove or a hardcore push every now and then (or more often). And it must come from someone who is genuinely concerned about helping you achieve your goals.

Someone we love.
And that loves us.

There are several roadblocks that cause us to not receive the love of God from others as we should.

Many of us ask ourselves: Am I really ready to invite someone else to get in my business? How long before it all starts to get on my nerves?

Here's what the bottom-line question must become for all of us:
"How serious am I about change?"

A true love for God's people starts with a word many of us try to often avoid: Accountability.

Have you identified any characteristics about yourself, characteristics that may hinder your growth in God? Are you lazy? Prideful? Unteachable?

Do you have a selfish streak?
Are you the guarded type?
Does transparency make you uneasy? 
 
To begin to remove these from your life takes more than just a love for God. It takes a love for God's people, and your ability to let someone inside to keep you accountable.

Today, take a note of your tendencies, and share them with an accountability partner up front to defeat any obstacles that may arise because of you.

Begin to open yourselves to a new kind of love.

Publisher of Vertical Fix online magazine, Lisa Birch has a passion for music with integrity. Along with her husband Chris, Lisa is the co-founder of Vertical Fix internet radio. A 15-year writer and editor, Lisa has contributed writings for corporate, creative, editorial and several ministerial environments. For more information about Lisa, log onto www.verticalfix.com. *Lisa Birch is a 2009 StreamingFaith.com Guest Columnist.

© Lisa Birch all rights reserved.