Strong accountability partnerships are an essential part of every Christian’s life. But it’s important to think a little differently about the role accountability serves. Quite often in Christian circles, we think of the act of accountability as being about inviting people into your life to make sure you’re not doing unhealthy stuff.

And while curbing unproductive behavior can be an element of the accountability relationship, it shouldn’t be the whole of it. When accountability is healthy, it can be a productive part of the discipleship process.

Here are four ways that accountability can make your Christian life richer:

1. Accountability helps curb unproductive behavior

And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds (Hebrews 10:24).

2. Accountability allows you to receive helpful counsel

The way of fools seems right to them, but the wise listen to advice (Proverbs 12:15).

3. Accountability helps you achieve goals

For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do (Ephesians 2:10).

4. Accountability keeps you engaged

Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervor, serving the Lord. Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer (Romans 12:11-12).

Accountability relationships are special, so we need to be careful about getting into these kinds of relationships that are so reliant upon transparency and vulnerability. Be Holy Spirit led.

Erick Bouwmeester