Nathan: Who's Authorized To Give You the Finger?

In the book "The 11 Most Indispensable Relationships You Can't Be Without" by Leonard Sweet in the chapter "Withness 1: Who's your Nathan?  You Need an Editor" he is careful to present a new way of thinking converse to the the standard of having an accountability partner, and presents an author editor relationship based on this Biblical account of Nathan and David, as well as the historical failure of accountability as it relates to relationships.

The Biblical account highlighted is 2Sam. 12:7-9a  Then Nathan said to David, “You are the man! This is what the LORD, the God of Israel, says: ‘I anointed you king over Israel, and I delivered you from the hand of Saul. ⁸ I gave your master’s house to you, and your master’s wives into your arms. I gave you all Israel and Judah. And if all this had been too little, I would have given you even more. ⁹ Why did you despise the word of the LORD by doing what is evil in his eyes?

See Nathan's role was not just to just keep a record of David's wrongs (which is often the guise when one thinks of an having an accountability partner...and who wants that) but rather he was a person that wanted to see David be the best David by :

1.  Getting Under Your Skin - He used a compelling parable, instead of marching in saying you screwed up.

2.  Asking Questions: like an editor they are constantly checking in to make sure your actions are communicating what you really want to get across.
3.  Tell the Truth even if it hurts(radical honesty about everything) - because it is the truth according to the Word of God, not their version of it...and we need to hear it an know it; the truth that is.

Nathan name means gift, and while some may really wonder if they really want this type of person around to "call you on your stuff" just think, David was a King, listed as the man after God's on heart, and even though David was dead wrong....he ended up naming one of his own son's Nathan....why because this person is truly a gift in some one's life.   Who's your Nathan?  Who can give you finger?  If you don't have one, I suggest you find yourself in a community of people (a small group community or intimate relationship) where you give someone, or a few some one's that really genuinely love and care about you, the authority help edit your life story to make sure you stay true to you, and God.  Honor GOD today, by thanking Him for your Nathan, and send a thank you to the person that is your Nathan.  LGLP