Accountability

There are plenty of biblical directives about making ourselves accountable to one another. But for many, the idea of revealing personal information seems restrictive or even an invasion of privacy. Such confession seems a hindrance to the pursuit of pleasure, prosperity, and prestige. Most people prefer to keep to themselves and not involve others in their business.

The Bible, however, makes it clear that Christians are to support each other in this regard: “Therefore, confess your sins to one another, and pray for one another so that you may be healed” (James 5:16).

Accountability in the body of Christ is a biblical principle.  People avoid accountability for various reasons, including pride, ignorance, fear, and self-reliance. This is a dangerous approach to life. Our Enemy knows our weaknesses and how to exploit them. But we can prevail with the support of friends. There is strength in the body of Christ.

In this mornings In Touch Daily Devotional,  Dr. Charles Stanley talked about accountability, and I’ve included some of the devotional and the Scripture above. I believe that one of the greatest weapons you have, as a Christian, to fight the enemy is to be accountable to others and have others be accountable to you.  We “are” our brothers keeper, and if we do in fact love others we will want them to hold us accountable as well, and we will be willing to do the same for them.  At first hearing that you are holding others accountable, it may sound like you are being judgmental, it is, in fact, the furthest thing from that! When we love fellow believers, we want the best for them, God’s will for their lives.  If we see them taking a  path that leads away from God, it is our responsibility to help them.  Who among us would let a little child wander close to the edge of a cliff?   Of course we would run to protect a child from danger, and we should do the same for our Christians brothers and sisters!!!

None of us can walk this path alone, we are too fragile to ward off all the danger on our own, we need the prayers, concern, and caring intervention of those that love us, and God has placed friends, and other believers into our lives for just that purpose!!  When Jesus sent out the disciples, he sent them in pairs, a clear signal of even His concern for His servants.  He commanded us to “Love One another.”  If you truly love someone, you will be there for them, through thick or thin, offering to pray for them, assist them, and reassure them of God’s love, and His ever presence in our lives!  It is not only one of the greatest responsibilities we have, it’s also one of the greatest honors!

In Him,

the pilgrim

Photo Note:  This was one of my favorite images from Reno, I applied a little Glamour Glow, seemed like jus the right touch, hope you enjoy it!   D800 – 24-120 VR  F11  7 stop HDR.