What is accountability in the Christian life?

WHAT DOES THE BIBLE SAY?

Practicing accountability with other believers can be a powerful weapon in the battle against sin. In the Old Testament, we see that accountability partners often challenged one another to step out in faith and do what was pleasing to God, even if it meant making a sacrifice. Examples include Mordecai keeping his niece, Queen Esther, accountable to strategically use her newly found favor with King Ahasuerus to help save the Jews from certain death (Esther 2–9), and Daniel and his three friends, Shadrach, Meshach, and Abendego, risking their lives to obey God’s Law over man’s law (Daniel 1; 3). In the New Testament, believers are encouraged to both receive accountability and give accountability to others within God’s family. An accountability partner can provide encouragement, loving correction, and wisdom as one wages war against sinful desires and strives for Christ-like living.

FROM THE OLD TESTAMENT

• Similar to two iron blades rubbing together, believers that hold each other accountable can “sharpen” each other in their spiritual growth (Proverbs 27:17).
• When we have an accountability partner, we have the freedom to confess our sin to them and be encouraged to reject future temptation (Proverbs 28:13).
• Although Ecclesiastes 4:9–12 speaks of the benefits of physical warmth, strength, and assistance when falling down, this passage can be applied to the need for spiritual encouragement, strength, and help within one’s spiritual walk.
• Mordecai, Queen Esther’s uncle, held her accountable to help save the Israelites when it was in her power to do so—even though it meant risking her life (Esther 4:12–14).
• While slaves in King Nebuchadnezzar’s palace, Daniel and his friends, Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, risked their lives by jointly refusing to eat unclean food that would cause them to disobey God’s Law (Daniel 1).
• In Daniel 3, Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego again joined forces to obey God’s Law by refusing to worship a false idol.

FROM THE NEW TESTAMENT

• Jesus sent his disciples to minister in pairs of two, rather than by themselves (Mark 6:6–7), creating a system of built-in accountability.
• Mature believers are exhorted to correct sinful actions of those within the body of Christ and restore them “in a spirit of gentleness” (Galatians 6:1–2).
• Being accountable to others can help us to stand strong in our faith, even in the midst of intense spiritual warfare (Ephesians 6:12).
• When we confess our sins to one another, we can remind each other of God’s faithfulness to forgive (1 John 1:9).
• Other Christians can faithfully pray for us (James 5:16) and support us in our battle against sin as we grow in our walk with Christ.

IMPLICATIONS FOR TODAY

Accountability is important because it provides a safe community where we can confess our sin struggles and be encouraged as we mature in our faith. When we practice accountability, we can avoid falling into the trap that King David did when he isolated himself before giving into his lustful desire to commit adultery (2 Samuel 11:1–4). Without accountability, we will likely rely on our own strength to overcome sin, which will always fail (Romans 7:18). As Proverbs 15:22 puts it, “Without counsel, plans fail, but with many advisors, they succeed.” If our plan is to reject sin and walk in godliness, we should accept the loving correction, firm guidance, and enriching encouragement that accountability partners so often provide. Those who attempt to walk with God entirely on their own do not realize the necessity of playing an active part in God’s family (Hebrews 10:24–25; 1 Corinthians 12). There is no such thing as a solo Christian; we need each other as we callous ourselves against the enemy’s tactics and “put to death” our sin by the power of the Holy Spirit (Romans 8:13). Ultimately, practicing accountability within the body of Christ can help point us toward God, who alone delivers us from our sin (Romans 7:24–25).

UNDERSTAND

• Accountability in the Christian life helps us in the battle against sin.
• An accountability partner can provide encouragement, loving correction, and wisdom.
• Accountability points us toward God, who delivers us from our sin.

REFLECT

• What are the benefits of having accountability, and how can you cultivate relationships that include accountability?
• In what areas of your life are you tempted to isolate yourself, and how can you invite accountability to help you resist sin and pursue righteousness?
• How can you be more intentional about being an accountability partner to others, offering encouragement, loving correction, and spiritual support?

ENGAGE

• How does the concept of accountability change our understanding of Christian community, and why is accountability so important to include in our relationships?
• What challenges do we face when it comes to being open and honest with accountability partners, and how can we overcome these challenges?
• How can we apply biblical examples of accountability, like Mordecai and Esther or Daniel and his friends, to our own lives today?