Is It Biblical?
The concept of accountability is as old as the Bible. Jesus, our Master Mentor, lived fully accountable to His Father throughout His ministry.
"Jesus gave them this answer: "Very truly I tell you, the Son can do nothing by himself; he can do only what he sees his Father doing, because whatever the Father does the Son also does. For the Father loves the Son and shows him all he does. Yes, and he will show him even greater works than these, so that you will be amazed" (John 5:19-20).
"So Jesus said, "When you have lifted up the Son of Man, then you will know that I am he and that I do nothing on my own but speak just what the Father has taught me. The one who sent me is with me; he has not left me alone, for I always do what pleases him" (John 8:28-29)
"Abba, Father," he said, "everything is possible for you. Take this cup from me. Yet not what I will, but what you will" (Mark 14:36)
The Scriptures call us to be accountable (See Matthew 18:15-17).
"Submit to one another out of reverence for Christ" (Ephesians 5:21).
Note that King Saul was held accountable by the prophet Samuel. The prophet Nathan held King David accountable. The apostles were accountable to Jesus. Paul and Silas were accountable to the church at Antioch. Timothy was accountable to the apostle Paul.
Unfortunately, accountability has become a forgotten concept. Even Christians have grown to avoid accountability; we often see it as not necessary or profitable, but this biblical concept is vital.
Why do we avoid accountability? (Dr. Howard Hendricks spoke on this subject).
Accountability is a double-headed coin. In this culture, we are reared with a "me, myself and I" mentality. Once we accept Jesus as Lord, this mentality is hard to overcome. It sabotages our Christian walk. (We are instructed to be interdependent within the body of Christ. See Matthew 22:39)
We tend to be very concerned with building and maintaining our image; but God's Word instructs us to be followers of Christ - please God, not impressing others. The shift from impressing others to pleasing God is difficult (Ephesians 4:22-25)
The natural tendency of the flesh is the desire to live independently of God. The flesh (human organism) firmly resists change (1 John 2:15-16)
Why Do We Need Accountability?
The flesh and the carnal mind naturally tend to depart from the path of righteousness and return to its old ways (Romans 8:5-8). We tend to live by double standards. We present our good image to others and live a different level of truth for ourselves. We operate in one plane and live in another. God's Word instructs us against this double standard (Romans 12:1-3). We need to be stretched. Our view and faith in God need to be constantly expanded to reach our full spiritual potential in Christ Jesus (John 14:12)
What Accountability is Not!
Accountability is not legalism. It is not designed to cause false guilt or force a bunch of man-made rules on someone. Each individual needs to choose his or her own goals and objectives out of a desire to please God, not mankind (2 Corinthians 7:8-10)
Accountability is not "snoopervision" nor "snubervision." We are not called to be busybodies, inspecting each other's fruit for the purpose of satisfying our own curiosity. Nor are we to use another person's spiritual ordeals as an opportunity to lift ourselves up to be judgmental (Romans 15:1-2; 14:13)
Accountability is not a basis for gossip. We are not to violate the confidence of someone for the purpose of conversation (Proverbs 11:12-13)
Accountability is not making a decision for someone else. Each person is accountable to God for his or her own actions. Each person must make his or her own decisions. We can assist others through guidance and evaluation (Romans 14:12; Hebrews 4:13)
What Does It Mean to Be Accountable?
Accountability is a very sensitive area. In our culture, we have come to accept the concept of "minding one's own business." Even within the church, we have the attitude of, "What I do at home is my own business." We become defensive if another brother or sister in the Lord questions us concerning our lack of church attendance. Many people live their entire lives with the attitude: "I don't need anyone telling me what to do or how to live." Many people have a problem with authority figures.
What Does Being Accountable to Someone Mean?
- Being honest, truthful, genuine, and having integrity (even when it hurts).
- Being humble and willing to submit my life to the inspection of another person to obtain spiritual growth and development.
- Being humble enough to ask another person for advice.
- Being open enough to give another person the freedom to honestly observe and evaluate me.
- Being teachable and approachable, willing to learn.
- Being willing to allow another person to enter into my personal life.
- Being transparent, willing to be vulnerable to share fears and weaknesses.
- Being available, willing to invest time, accessible.
Accountability is reciprocal. The bonding process is key to accountability. If someone truly believes you care for them as a person, they will allow you to keep them accountable, because you have their best interest at heart. Bonding is crucial - if you try to keep someone accountable before you have built a solid relationship with them, they may become defensive and resent you confronting them. This often happens even after extensive bonding.
How Do You Keep a Person Accountable?
Accountability is always within the context of a relationship. The stronger the relationship, the greater the amount of accountability. Accountability is accomplished through a process (of time). Spiritual maturity is accomplished through the guidance and direction of the Holy Spirit. This means it is important to cooperate with the Holy Spirit. One must not grieve the Holy Spirit. One must be cautious not to compare their growth process with others (2 Corinthians 10:12; Galatians 6:4)
Do YOU have an accountability partner? If not - pray about it and see where the Holy Spirit leads you.