Forged in Fire

If you are a weekly consumer of the Forged in Fire blog posts and Newsletter, you know by now that our most recent addition has been the startup of a youth bible study. As of today, the group of high school aged boys is up to sixteen, meeting once a week to dive into the Holy Bible and its teachings. 

One of the key topics we’ve been discussing is the idea of accountability. More so, the importance of holding others accountable whilst simultaneously being held accountable yourself.

This in and of itself is something that has become increasingly evident in serving as a key pillar of my successes and growth as a man – a strong cohort of individuals around me who will hold me accountable.

So, what might that look like? How exactly is it put into practice?

For me, it looks a little something like this:

I have a few, most specifically two very close friends who I meet with once a week. The three of us are in very similar stages of our lives – a family to love, protect and provide for, a keen focus on personal development – both mental and physical alike, and perhaps most importantly a strong and ever-growing faith. 

We chat for an hour or two every Wednesday morning at 5:30am.

Discussion topics vary week to week, but remain centered around religion, family life, career, and physical fitness.

It serves as an opportunity to remain in touch amidst an increasingly busy season of life. An outlet for us to share stories, seek advice, and to serve as accountability partners for one another. 

They hold me accountable, and I provide the same in return. 

If they see me straying from the path, they’ll call me out. 

My fitness is visibly slipping? They’ll bring it to my attention.

I’m acting out of character toward my spouse or my children? They’ll check me. 

You’d better believe I’d return the favor.

But, why is this important? Why is it something that I feel compelled to go over through a blog post or with a group of soon-to-be adults? 

Simply put: we can’t do this thing alone. Not properly, that is. 

We’re all flawed. We make mistakes, and allow our emotions to regulate our actions to a fault. These things are as real as the ground beneath our feet. And the worst of it? Most people would rather turn their cheek than to assist in their correction. To avoid confrontation, of course.

But, those who are willing? Those who love you and support you to such a degree that they’re open to intervening out of a place of love? These are the rare and the extremely valuable members who deserve a seat at the table in this life of ours. 

Do you know who these people might be in your own circle? Do they exist at all? 

It might be time to seek them out. We’re stronger together.

As iron sharpens iron, so one man sharpens another.

Forge on.

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