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 our life to make sure we’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).

Having people close enough to us that they’re allowed to see our struggles and missteps is what vulnerability in community is all about. And when they genuinely want the best for us, they become potent allies in our spiritual growth.

2. Accountability allows us to receive helpful counsel
The way of fools seems right to them, but the wise listen to advice (Proverbs 12:15).

One of the most powerful things about Christian community is the opportunity we have to see things from the vantage point of others. We all have a tendency to miss stuff or ignore information that doesn’t really align with our perspective or preferences. That’s why we need the input from others who are just as sincere and passionate about the Lord as we are.
The benefit of good counsel isn’t in receiving it but it’s in aligning ourselves to it. Accountability doesn’t just provide a chance to hear helpful advice; it’s an opportunity to put it to work for us.

3. Accountability helps us 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).

The best goals require some effort and perspiration. If we’re the sole carrier of that dream, it can get lonely, difficult, and ultimately diminish the chance of reaching it. Accountability partners can help us choose goals, set up steps for achieving them, and provide follow-up and encouragement to keep us on course. And more than anything, they’re there to help us celebrate every achievement along the way.

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).

Maintaining the same passion and intensity in our faith isn’t easy. One of the best ways to keep that passion alive is to surround ourself with others who share our enthusiasm. This way we don’t have to count on ourself to keep that fire lit all the time. When we’re struggling to maintain our fervor, we can lean on the passion of others and vice versa.

In this way, accountability is less about monitoring one another’s behavior, and more about helping each other maintain our first love (Revelation 2:4).

Erick Bouwmeester
#lovebeyondchurch
#lovebeyondwordsministry
#lovebeyondwords