Accountability

Scripture:

Gal. 6:1   My friends, if anyone is detected in a transgression, you who have received the Spirit should restore such a one in a spirit of gentleness. Take care that you yourselves are not tempted. ² Bear one another’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ. ³ For if those who are nothing think they are something, they deceive themselves. ⁴ All must test their own work; then that work, rather than their neighbor’s work, will become a cause for pride. ⁵ For all must carry their own loads.

Observation:

Spiritual growth and development is necessary in the life of a believer. Paul gives practical advice for those who are following Christ and this includes accountability within a community of faith. This means that we must be willing to be held accountable before others for our behaviors, and that we must be willing to provide gentle, spirit-led correction in the lives of others. One person’s pain and burden, become another’s. No one is to think that they are above the possibility of temptation. If we think we are not at risk of falling to the temptation, we are probably fooling ourselves. We must all carry our own spiritual load, which is made lighter when we make ourselves accountable to one another. 

Application:

Accountability has always been a major feature of the Wesleyan/Holiness movement. All individuals, at every level of the Methodist societies were to be in groups where they would be held accountable to one another. Just as the Apostle Paul saw this as being invaluable, so have great leaders throughout all of Christian history.  We really do need to be a part of a community of faith in which we are intentionally accountable with one another.

When we try to manage our spiritual lives on our own, we run the risk of deceiving ourselves, and becoming arrogant. Accountability means that we are willing to humble ourselves before others, allowing them to speak into our lives and behaviors, helping us to become better followers of Christ as a result. 

Society would like us to adopt a mentality that encourages us to “live and let live.” In other words, if it feels good, go ahead and do it. The problem is that far too many individuals will be hurt by embracing this kind of a lifestyle. Accountability means that we speak to one another with holy love, helping our sisters and brothers from participating in behaviors and/or activities that will ultimately bring them great harm. Just as we protect our children and grandchildren from harmful activities, so we should be cognizant of what others around us are doing. This is not some kind of a policing action, but it is one in which we are willing to ask one another tough questions. 

We are never finished with our spiritual lives, but are called into an ever-deepening relationship with our holy and loving God. Let’s spur one another on, becoming accountable for our spiritual lives, and becoming all that God wants us to be. 

Prayer:

Lord, please help me to be amenable to accountability in my spiritual life so that I can grow and become the woman of God that you want me to be. Amen!