Accountability

A few years ago, a Christian friend of mine surprised me when he told me and others that he saw accountability as a negative word.  He saw the exposing of sin as the airing of "dirty laundry" and did not think he should have to be open to others about such things.  I recently came across this article that came from a ministry called Pastor's Toolbox.  I repost it here.

Accountability is a basic requirement for anyone enrolled in the school of Christ —— where the curriculum calls for humility and honesty. Our weaknesses worsen when we hide them. That doesn‘t mean reveal all to everyone, but it does mean we voluntarily humble ourselves by becoming accountable to at least one other Christian who is STRONG enough to tell us the truth in love.

1. You need to be open and authentic.  An accountability relationship requires openness, voluntary submission, a trustworthy partner and consistency. Openness is the backbone of Christian accountability. We're told to confess our sins to one another and to pray for each other so we may be healed. There‘s a certain power to confessing our sins to someone else because it drains the strength from those sins.  The relationship is worthless if you only reveal minor problems to your accountability partner, managing your image like some spiritual spin—doctor. The areas where you most fear exposure are probably the ones whereyou need the most help.

2. You need to hear a godly perspective.  A friend of mine used to say, "There is no such thing as a Lone Ranger Christian." Thinking we can handle it alone is a lie Satan sends us. When things really count, we need someone to stretch us, not only to broaden our perspectives, but also to help us see things more clearly. Accountability also reveals your blind spots —— which are areas of sin in your life that either you cannot see or refuse to acknowledge. The funny thing about blind spots is that often everybody can see them but you. For example, when I get angry, I tend to add a touch of sarcasm to my voice. I never knew I was doing that until someone pointed it out.

3. You need a trustworthy partner.  Perhaps the most important step in becoming accountable is finding a trustworthy partner or group in which to confide. They need to be authentic and real people who don't play games. Yet, they need to be able to speak the truth in love. Accountability partners who wink at your sin or suggest that's just the way you are aren't going to stretch you very far.

4. You need to be consistent.  The final aspect of accountability is consistency, or maintaining a regular schedule with your accountability partner. It does little good to be accountable to someone who you only see every few weeks. Not only does that make it easier for your sin list to grow, it also makes it easier to hide your failures.  Structure can help you in your accountability as you follow a routine that gives little room for temptation.  Surround yourself with people who will encourage you to adhere to God's standards rather than to the world's standards. I always find it much more difficult to sin in the presence of other Christians I respect.

It‘s true no man is an island. We‘re responsible for each other, and our Christian growth is dependent upon close relationships with other fellow believers as we transparently learn to love one another.

Copyright 2002, Jon Walker. Used by permission