Accountability
This content is taken from the Man in the Mirror website’s “Classic Issue: How to Have an Accountable Relationship” post and was in an email sent by a brother in Christ, and great personal friend. It was a great reminder for me about the importance of accountability and the changes you will experience as you grow as a Christ-follower:
The Purpose and Definition of Accountability
The purpose of accountability is nothing less than to each day become more Christ-like in all our ways and be ever more intimate with Him. Here’s a useful working definition of accountability for Christians:Suggested Guidelines for A Weekly One-Hour Accountability Check-Up
- Try to ensure each person gets equal “air time.” However, if one of you has a particularly hard struggle one week, be flexible enough to focus on that issue.
- Let each person work through a section at a time, then let the other(s) answer. This will keep things moving.
- Don’t neglect the prayer time.
- Try this in a small group of 3 to 5 men. This will work well if everyone speaks succinctly (one hour will go by very quickly!) You may want to try one-on-one.
- Reread the chapter, “Accountability: The Missing Link”, from The Man in the Mirror, at least once every year and discuss the questions at the end of the chapter. You will be surprised how your understanding of accountability changes over the years.
- Stick it out. You will want to quit, perhaps often. Ask God to strengthen you when you want to give up.
- Hold each other accountable for the goals you each set for yourselves and to the standards of God’s Word.
- Never forget the purpose of accountability: To each day become more Christ-like in all of your ways. Remember it is Jesus who is the object of our search, our devotion, our sacrifice, and our affection. Anything less than intimacy with Christ will be a pallid achievement from your time together.
- Finally, if you are uncomfortable with the format, feel free to alter these questions and type up your own accountability checklist. The substance is more important than the form. You may want to divide the key areas among more than one accountability partner.
