Recently, a really good friend of mine asked me this question. As every man, woman and child knows, it’s a question LACED with opportunity for trouble. Many an argument has been had over that very question being asked and a reply being attempted. My friend, however, wasn’t referring to her weight but was asking me for Christian accountability.

You see, her FAT was an acronym. Faithful, Active, Teachable = FAT.

As she went on to explain, she wanted to remain:

Faithful: We as Christians are called to a life of faithfulness. In our society of “self” and “instant gratification,” living a life of faithfulness can be difficult. Contrary to popular belief, faithfulness doesn’t just apply to our marriages but to our finances, our calling, and to the expectations God has for us. In all things we must be faithful and it requires daily intentional focus.

Active: If you’ve used the “FAT” acronym before, you might know the “A” is supposed to stand for available. However, I believe that if you are faithful , you are also available. I chose the word active because so many Christians say they are available until they are asked to serve. It’s at that point that we pull out the “I don’t feel I’m called to it” card. We are available, no doubt. But we aren’t active because we’re too busy FEELING out what we believe we are called to do. The great commission requires that we be both available and active – “go tell” isn’t exactly a passive, optional command.

Teachable: When’s the last time you admitted you didn’t know the answer? How often do you turn down an opportunity to serve because you “don’t know enough to… or might not have the right answer to…?” For me, I often get caught up in what I already know or how I can find out rather than being teachable. If we can’t admit we don’t know or are hung up on being able to answer every question on our own, how can we possibly be taught?

My friend asking if she is FAT was a request to hold her accountable to being faithful, active and teachable.

You know, suddenly, being FAT doesn’t sound like such a bad thing.

In fact, I think I want to be FAT too!

How about you?