Accountability

Last night in church we talked about the issue of accountability.  I believe that the lack of accountability is one of the major hindrances to healthy, vibrant, growing churches today.  The bible in James 5:16 says, "Confess your sins to one another, and pray for one another, that you may be healed."    When we have those same people in our lives that we are able to confess our sins, issues, problems, and areas of weakness to it makes a way for the healing power of God to come into our lives.  


The power of sin tries to keep us in the dark. Our enemy, the devil, wants to isolate us and make us feel like we are the only ones in the world who struggle with (fill in the blank).   But when we are able to share our struggles with others who will hold us accountable, pray for us, and encourage us, a transfer of power takes place.  The power of sin is deflated and the power of God is released.  Read these verses and see how the power can be released in your life.  
  
     Two people are better off than one, for they can help each other succeed.  If one person falls, the other can reach out and help.  But someone who falls alone is in real trouble..... A person standing alone can be attacked and defeated, but two can stand back-to-back and conquer.  Three are even better for a triple-braided cord is not easily broken."
                                                                                          Ecclesiastes 4:9-10, 12


In order for us to be healthy as followers of Christ we have to have the friendships that provide accountability for us.  No one likes accountability because our flesh pushes so hard against it.  We must pursue accountability if we want to be all that God desires us to be.


Here are some questions that can be used for accountability:
     1. Are you spending time alone with God?
     2. Are you in studying the Bible?
     3. Are you praying?
     4. Is your thought life pure?
     5. Have you seen something you shouldn't see (movies, magazines, Internet)?
     6. Are you misusing your power on the job? At home?
     7. Are you walking in total obedience to God? (Remember, partial obedience is disobedience.)
     8. Have you lied about any of the previous questions?


These questions are one's that Leadership Guru John Maxwell recommends.  This is a base to start from and not an exhaustive list.  Feel free to add your own that is more applicable to your situation.  Find someone to whom you can be accountability partners with and then get free.


Be free in Jesus name because "he whom the Son sets free, is free indeed!"