Accountability is defined as someone holding you responsible or asking you to justify your actions. In the life of a Christian, that is the job of the Lord. However, as we as sinful creatures attempt to navigate this daily walk in a sinful world it is very important that we find people that we can trust to also hold us accountable. This can take many forms, and is often best kept to only 1 or possibly 2 people. It can be a husband/wife, a friend, a trusted leader, or another family member. We need to choose these accountability people wisely. We need to know that we can trust them with the intimate things, we can count on them to ask the tough questions, and that they won’t shrink from unpleasant answers.
It is easy to become trapped in temptation and a backslidden way of life without someone helping you to stay on the road that the Lord has laid out for you. Think of Moses and the many times that he received help from other men. His father-in-law is a great example of accountability. As Moses was killing himself trying to judge all of the cases brought before him, his Father-in-law pointed out that he wasn’t seeking God’s highest for himself, that he needed help. A good accountability person will be able to show you things that you don’t see, they will be able to help you with solutions to areas that you may be struggling with. It is important to remember that they are not your strength or your conscience but they are just another way of walking in the fullness that God has for you.
So now that you know why you need an accountability partner, and what they look like, how do you find one, and what do you do? PRAY. This is a big decision, so you need to really seek the Lord. You will need to find someone who is willing and capable of investing their time into your life. Once you feel that the Lord has led you to someone, ask them if they would be willing to be your accountability partner – yes, this is a partnership, and there are things that will be required to make it successful. If they say yes, then you need to establish a regular time to meet (this can be over the phone or in person, the important thing is that it is regular and frequent, once a week is a good idea). Then you begin to build your relationship, and ask the tough questions – below is a form with questions that you should be asking. It is important to be truthful and transparent with each other, otherwise you will not be helping one another.
Accountability Questions
Spiritual Accountability
What are you doing to stay fresh spiritually? How are you allowing God to grow, lead, and work in your personal life?
Marital/Family Accountability
How are you doing in fulfilling your calling as a husband/wife and father/mother? Are you spending the necessary time? Are you giving adequate attention to communication, conflict resolution, affection, and meeting needs?
Financial Accountability
Are you tithing? Are you practicing good stewardship? Are you living below your means? Are you paying your bills on time and tracking your spending?
Accountability to Sexual Purity
Have you looked at any pornography? Have you been involved in any inappropriate conversations, flirtations, touching, or meetings with the opposite sex?
Work Accountability
Are you leading and teaching with excellence? Are you giving your best effort? Are you managing your time and delegating effectively? Are you guarding yourself from burnout?
Physical Fitness Accountability
Are you honoring God with your eating, exercise and rest patterns? Are we getting a vibrant healthy you?
What can you be doing better?
(Author: Judy Weber)
Jeff Rostocil
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