I was listening to an interview with Rep. Jim Clyburn – he has served in the House of Representatives (SC) for 33 years and is 85 years old. The interviewer asked him, given his age, if he would run for an 18th term, and part of his reply struck me. He said that he feels great and, obviously, his mind is very sharp, but he also has an Accountability Circle that advises him regularly about his ability to hold this important office. This group is made up of people willing to be honest with him, and he is willing to listen. He created this circle to make sure that he doesn’t fall into the trap that too many people do – staying too long when we are no longer able to perform appropriately. So far, he said, things are good. But we never know, do we?
I thought that this is a brilliant way to keep yourself honest – in many churches, there are committees that stay connected with the pastor, listening to congregational concerns and making sure the pastor is not only spiritually well, but staying on course. These committees can bring a great deal of stability and connection to the congregation, but if the pastor is more concerned with picking people who will be supportive of them no matter what, they become a detriment. What a great thing it would be if every single one of us had a group of people around us who love us enough to tell us the truth! Can you imagine the difference this would make for all of us, our communities, and our work?
The Apostle Paul wrote about speaking the truth with love (Ephesians 4). The purpose of compassionate truth-telling is to allow each follower of Jesus to become more like Him. For those who are not Christians, the process still holds true – when we love someone enough to tell them the truth in honest, loving ways, we can save them and us a world of trouble. It is too easy to ignore when things are going off the rail; it is also a dangerous thing to be afraid to be lovingly honest. It takes courage to be part of this kind of connection, because we are all sensitive about not being able to do what we used to. And yet – we all need people who love us enough to tell us the truth. Who is in your accountability circle? Who loves you enough – and who do you love enough – to tell the truth with love?
Prayer – Holy God, help us to be honest with one another, so that love allows us to continue to do what’s best for all. Amen.
Today’s art is “We are individuals” by Leslie Constantino.