Brothers, if someone is caught in any wrongdoing, you who are spiritual should restore such a person with a gentle spirit, watching out for yourselves so you won’t be tempted also. Carry one another’s burdens; in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ. For if anyone considers himself to be something when he is nothing, he is deceiving himself. But each person should examine his own work, and then he will have a reason for boasting in himself alone, and not in respect to someone else. For each person will have to carry his own load.–Galatians 6:1-5
What should we do when our friends repeatedly make the same sinful mistakes? Some would say, “I cannot change them.” Others would say, “That’s just who they are,” and even, “They will never listen to me.” However, if these friends are followers of Christ, we need to hold them to the commitments they made in Christ. They need to hold us to the same standard as well. We all need accountability. When someone feels he/she does not need it, that is the beginning of great trials ahead.
What does accountability look like? It should be with one other person of the same sex, meeting weekly, if possible, to ask tough questions that will help both grow closer to Christ. Our goal is to be like Christ, and having a friend hold us to that standard brings us closer to Him. Having an accountability partner is crucial. It will take our relationship with Christ to a whole other level.
1. Do you have an accountability partner? If not, why not?
2. Do you feel you need accountability?
3. How can you apply accountability to your life in Christ?
Extra Reading: Deuteronomy 29:29; Proverbs 17:17; Hebrews 4:13
Lord, I desire accountability in my life. Bring people into my life who can hold me to Your level of excellence and who will point out areas in which I might be compromising. Amen.