Accountability
Definition: Accountable – subject to giving an account; answerable; capable of being explained. (Merriam-Webster).
Accountability is giving an account for something. In the light of today’s topic; accountability is giving an account for your thoughts, actions, and motivations in your walk with the Lord. As we walk with the Lord, we will have struggles. In sports it’s sometimes called “off the field issues”. This describes the athlete who can excel on the field but has struggles outside of the game. Many Christian men are like these athletes. They have it all together at church or church functions but are drowning in addictions or sins at home. Oftentimes these same men struggle with poor thoughts and motivations as well. The goal is to help us realize that we are all accountable to God and that we can help each other stay accountable to Him through honest communication amongst trusted peers.
Accountability is not a time to gossip or revel in our struggles with sin. It’s also not a “show and tell” time either. It is a time to share and listen. Prayer should be involved throughout the conversation. It’s not a time for advice per say but advice given correctly can help. Listen to your partner and pray. Then they can return the listening and prayer for you.
Here are some tips to better understanding accountability…
- Accountability starts with you.
- As we walk with the Lord it is important to remember what Paul said in Ephesians 5:1. “Be ye followers of God, as dear children.” Accountability starts with us! We have our example in Christ. It’s our job to model that behavior in our public and private lives. Don’t wait for someone else to get on board. Start with yourself.
- You are already accountable.
- The Bible tells us we shall give account of ourselves to God in Romans 14:12. The day you began to be held accountable was the day you understood right from wrong. There is not a soul on the earth who will not be held accountable for their actions. If we live in the deception that we are simply the recipients of other’s actions, then we live in a false reality.
- Accountability is not a one-time thing.
- Accountability is an all-time thing. People who are not accountable are always looking for an excuse to get them selves out of a jam. You must always keep yourself accountable!
- Accountability is the difference between success and failure.
- The accountable person is the person who takes ownership of their actions. In turn, this leads to a life lived with intention. If we are not accountable to God and to others, then we will fail in our flesh. Beware of the flesh. It is strong and it knows your weaknesses.
Questions for Accountability
Group 1 – The Self Reflection
- Am I consciously or unconsciously creating the impression that I am better than I am? In other words, am I a hypocrite?
- Am I honest in all my acts and words, or do I exaggerate?
- Do I confidentially pass onto another what was told me in confidence?
- Am I a slave to dress, friends, work, or habits?
- Am I defeated in any part of my life?
- Do I physically or mentally grumble and complain constantly?
- Did I spend time with God today in prayer and Bible study?
- Am I enjoying prayer?
- When did I last speak to someone about my faith?
- Am I jealous, impure, critical, irritable, touchy or distrustful?
- Is Christ real to me?
Group 2 – Accountability for Men and Mental Battles
- Have you been with a woman anywhere this past week that might be seen as compromising?
- Have any of your financial dealings lacked integrity?
- Have you exposed yourself to any sexually explicit material?
- Have you spent adequate time in Bible study and prayer?
- Have you spent your time wisely?
- Have you given priority time to your family?
- Have you fulfilled the mandates of your calling?
- Have you just lied to me?