Accountability

Being accountable to someone gives us more incentive to be even more like Christ. One of the reasons we slip in our christian walk is that generally we answer to no-one.
We must choose carefully who we are accountable to. Proverbs 13:20 says, He who walks with the wise grows wise, but a companion of fools suffers harm.
An "Accountability Partner" is someone who can ask us questions, and we are able to give them true answers.

Even though God knows every sin we've committed and will do in the future, God loves us enough to provide for our salvation through Christ - and He continues to love us. But He will still hold us accountable for our actions.
Accountability is essential for us to grow and produce godly character and fruit. Acountability allows us to be answerable to one another. We give an answer for what we do, and understand where we need help in areas where we are weak and struggling, and to be encouraged. "Mind your own business" shouldn't be in our vocabulary. We're called to be involved in each other's lives. If we know someone is wavering spiritually, it's our responcibility to go after them and bring them back into fellowship.

In accountability, the goal is our spiritul formation which is christian maturity, growth and character derived from God working in us and our working out our faith with one another.
Accountability is not about confrontation. We may, at times, need to be confronted and to confront one another, but accountability is more about challenging one another to grow in Christ. Accountability is essential for every christian to help reach his or her full potential, it is mandate to those in leadership and ministry.
Accountability is not just for those who are weak, needy, or for whimps; it is for the strong who want to become stronger, and for the unconnected who need to be connected.

Accountability helps us in our freedom in Christ, because we give up on our self-will and focus on His will. Accountability is letting Christ drive. Accountability becomes the map to keep us moving on His road to His destination; if we throw away the map, then we go in the wrong direction, we will never get to the destination, and perhaps crash.
When we are accountable to others we learn of one another's battles which helps us with ours, and ours helps with theirs. Being accountable will promote healing and growth in all aspects of your life.

When looking for an accountability partner, or are accountable to someone, remember:

To look for someone who you respect, trust, are mature in their faith and character, and from whom you can learn, so you can develop closeness and share shortcomings.

Make sure you use God's word, it is your standard for faith, and practise it.

Make sure no-one dominates. Have equal airtime so all can be involved.

Be willing to be flexible and surrender your time when another person needs extra time and care.

Respect the feelings and time of others, and speak the truth in love.

Seek those who can help you adhere to God's standards rather than the worlds standards.

Be committed.

What you do not want is people disciplining you who are prideful, who only care about themselves, or who are irritable.

Do you need to be accountable to someone this week?

Michelle Cozins