Ecclesiastes 4:9-10 … Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their labor: If either of them falls down, one can help the other up. But pity anyone who falls and has no one to help them up.
Merriam Webster defines accountability: an obligation or willingness to accept responsibility or to account for one’s actions. Few will deny that accepting responsibility for our actions is becoming more and more uncommon in the world we live in. However, it is an essential element of success in life. Accountability is a driving force in the desire to avoid failure and accomplish great things.
Accountability in the life of a Christian is even more important, because the Christian should be seeking to be transformed into the image of Christ. If we do not hold ourselves accountable and have other believers present to hold us accountable, we leave the door open for backsliding.
2 Corinthians 3:18 … And we all, who with unveiled faces contemplate the Lord’s glory, are being transformed into his image with ever-increasing glory, which comes from the Lord, who is the Spirit.
We are all held accountable in one way or another. For example, there are laws to obey and if we fail to be obedient, we may have to suffer the consequences set by the officials who hold us accountable. Accountability is simply being responsible for one’s actions.
An accountability partner must be someone we trust to know our deep and dark secrets that we hide from the world. That person should be comfortable in telling us when we are losing our way. Very often the best choice is an accountability partner who is struggling with the same types of things that we are. Through the sharing of similar experiences, we can relate better and empathize with an understanding of the pain and shame that each other feels.
Proverbs 27:17 … Iron sharpens iron, and one man sharpens another.
A key element of accountability is meeting/talking regularly with your partner to discuss how each of you is doing. Being completely open and honest with each other is essential. Accountability partners should not judge, but should not be hesitant to point out areas that are dangerous and give advice on how to Biblically address the situation, always in a very loving way. Pray for and with one another.
Luke 17:3 … Pay attention to yourselves! If your brother sins, rebuke him, and if he repents, forgive him
1 John 4:21 says, “And he has given us this command: Whoever loves God must also love his brother.”
Galatians 6:1-2 gives a helpful principle, “Brothers, if someone is caught in a sin, you who are spiritual should restore him gently. But watch yourself, or you also may be tempted. Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ.”
Be prepared to confront your accountability partner when he strays from the righteous path so you can forgive and console him. Be ever mindful that you are a moment of temptation from falling into sin. While God will be grieved, He has already forgiven you.
Ephesians 4:32 … Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.
Hebrews 4:13 … And no creature is hidden from his sight, but all are naked and exposed to the eyes of him to whom we must give account.
Pray about who you can invite into your life, who you can reveal the dark, secret parts. Pray that your partner will be open and honest with you and how you can minister to them.
~ a BeFreeinChrist writing ~