I accomplish so much more if I know someone is going to ask me about my work. This is true at my job and in my personal relationships. Right now a good friend of mine and I are memorizing scripture each week. I know on Thursday morning she is going to expect to me recite my verse. Knowing she will have hers memorized drives me to have mine memorized as well.
The same concept is true with spending money. I know my husband can see where I spend money (for the most part). This holds me accountable to not overspend. If he couldn’t see where I spent our money I might buy more than I need at times. Or I might stop at Starbucks a lot more often. 🙂
the importance of accountability
Accountability is such an important part of our Christian walk. We are held accountable first to God, then to each other and to ourselves. Sometimes the truth is hard to hear and hard to say. However, it’s still the truth and God encourages us to always live within the truth and the light. He says to bring all things into the light. This is so that they may be revealed and brought out of the darkness where sin dwells.
“The way of fools seems right to them, but the wise listen to advice.” Proverbs 12:15
"The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome[a] it." John 1:5
Holding others accountable
The Bible actually tells us that we have an obligation to hold each other accountable for our actions. This is especially true when we see fellow believers acting in a way that does not reflect God’s will.
"My brothers and sisters, if one of you should wander from the truth and someone should bring that person back, remember this: Whoever turns a sinner from the error of their way will save them from death and cover over a multitude of sins." James 5:19-20
We all need others to hold us accountable. We need fellow believers to encourage us and to correct us in love. Without that accountability we will never grow and move forward in God’s plan for our lives.
“Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom and as you sing psalms, hymns and spiritual songs with gratitude in your hearts to God.” Colossians 3:16
Introspective accountability
We also must be accountable to ourselves. We must look at our own lives and what we do and say and make changes as needed. It’s important to hold ourselves accountable for our actions, and not fall into blaming others. God will hold all of us accountable for our own actions and there will be no room for blaming others. Only we can account for what we have said and done in our lives. To grow we must look at our lives and face the areas we need to work on. The sooner we do thos the better our lives will be and the more God will bless our actions. We cannot hide anything from God, He knows our hearts.
“So then, each of us will give an account of himself to God.” Romans 14:12
find an accountability partner
Take time this week or this month to seek out an accountability partner. Spend time together weekly, if possible. Share with each other the areas of your lives where you need to be held more accountable. The areas where you need to grow. Pray together over these areas. Also, be transparent. Share how your week went and where you did well, and where you still struggle.
This is a time to be completely transparent. We can only grow in Christ when we bring everything into the light. No matter how difficult that is to do. If you have areas that you hide from others the enemy will use that. He uses darkness to spiral us further into sin. Do not let him. Bring everything (and I mean everything) into the light.
in conclusion
Accountability can be difficult, but it will definitely be worth it. God will use it for good in your life and in those you are accountable with. Additionally, bringing everything into the light and being challenged on it will only bring more peace into your lives.
"Send forth your light and your truth, let them guide me; let them bring me to your holy mountain, to the place where you dwell" Psalm 43:3