Fitbit is one of many wrist band products that help in overall health by monitoring movement- walking and sleeping (lack of activity). It can be part of a broader regimen to determine how to become in better physical condition and also inform the wearer of activity patterns. Several Free Methodist pastors and laypeople are wearing them. They are taking “measured steps” (pun intended) to get to a better place, physically. This is an internal accountability program that can be augmented by the external invitation of friends who can help monitor our progress, competitively or supportively.
That all brings us back to the spiritual disciplines and the need for internal monitoring and external assistance. None of this is new. It simply works. There must be a way to monitor our spiritual movements, decisions and level of activity. There are ways to objectify that which many subjectify or guesstimate. A write band won’t do it. Friends might help. But, if they are not receiving objective information, even that is difficult.
Journaling is the closest thing to a spiritual wrist band. It is a way to write down thoughts, decisions, actions, failures and successes. Giving others access (limited or unlimited) to our journal is a daunting, but in the end, helpful way to give others suitable information as to our progress or lack thereof.
If anyone has a better spiritual wristband idea, I am all ears. But, something beats nothing. And, accountability and monitoring beats freelancing every time.