Accountability: A Choice or a Command?

I have been thinking a lot lately about accountability and the NEED for it as believers. It is very often a neglected part of our spiritual growth and something that needs to be reprioritized both in my life and in the lives of all who claim to want to pursue holiness as they seek His face. I guess the reality is that we as Christians like to pretend like everything is ok, like we are somehow perfect or sinless even though we would never say those words. We think that we have the strength to fight sin alone and to seek the Lord as a lone ranger, but that is far from reality and far from what the Truth teaches us. In Ecclesiastes 4:8-12 we read, “"Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their work: If one falls down, his friend can help him up. But pity the man who falls and has no one to help him up! Also, if two lie down together, they will keep warm. But how can one keep warm alone? Though one may be overpowered, two can defend themselves. A cord of three strands is not quickly broken." Just looking at those few verses we should see the blessing in numbers as believers and also the command for us to have this.

But is it really a command? A lot of people like to believe that it is just something that would be “wise” or “good” but that it isn’t really necessary, or that it is only needed when we want it etc. but I believe after searching through the Word that it is in fact something that God commands believers to have. I look at Jesus’ example and He had disciples, he had people who he prayed with, talked with and were encouraged by. If He is the One we are to emulate then why don’t we? Here are just a few reasons I believe that the Bible commands the Christian to have accountability or to be discipled…

In 1 Corinthians chapter 12, we read that Christians are all part of the same body - the body of Christ - and each member needs or belongs to the other. This Scripture suggests the importance of strong accountability between Believers. It is important for every Believer to have at least one other person in which to confide, pray with, listen to, and encourage.

Galatians 6:1-2 gives a helpful principle, "Brothers, if someone is caught in a sin, you who are spiritual should restore him gently. But watch yourself, or you also may be tempted. Carry each other's burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ." If your accountability friend has done something contrary to the Bible, you are called to confront him gently, forgive him, and comfort him. It also admonishes you to consider yourself because no one is above temptation.

Another aspect of Christian accountability is encouraging each other to grow in their spiritual maturity. Hebrews 10:24 says, "And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds." 1 Thessalonians 5:11 says to, "…encourage one another and build each other up…"

And the Bible tells us to do many "one anothers" (this is just the top ones)
- Love one another (John 15:17)
- Serve one another (Galatians 5:13)
- Bear one another's burdens (Galatians 6:2)
- Be kind to one another and compassionate (Ephesians 4:32)
- Confess sin to one anothers and pray (James 5:16)
- Be devoted to one another and honor others above you (Romans 12:10)
-Accept one another (Romans 15:7)
- Encourage one another and build up each other (1 Thess 5:11)
- Spur on one another in love and good deeds (Hebrews 10:24)

With all that said you may be feeling overwhelmed, I know I did, but we must take the Truth and do something with it! We have to be willing to be teachable, a teachable attitude/heart is one of the greatest things that we can have as a believer. There is so much benefit to partaking in the fellowship of accountability with another believer, or believers and the promise of growth as well. Proverbs 27:17 says it well, “"As iron sharpens iron, so one man sharpens another."