Accountability Relationships Are Important in Our Faith Walk
How are your New Year’s resolutions going? Are you sticking with them? I’ve found that without accountability, it can be challenging to uphold our resolutions. Whether it’s the start of a new year, a goal we wish to achieve, or a habit we want to overcome, accountability is key to achieving our goals.
Why accountability?
We often hear the term ‘accountability’ used in conversations. I’m sure you’ve heard the term used in reference to the new year or the Presidential elections, which are two key topics of accountability.
With the start of the new year, we begin to think about goals or what we would like to achieve in the next 3, 6, or 12 months. In true tradition, we make a list of resolutions for personal and professional improvement. Sticking to the resolutions is another story, but the goals are created with great intentions!
As for the Presidential election, or any election for that matter, we, the voters, call on politicians to be accountable personally and professionally. Accountability in areas regarding their beliefs, actions, and motivations. The public wants to know our leaders are trustworthy in all areas of their lives. Positions of leadership in business, the church, and the community require a higher standard of behavior and demand that leaders be above reproach. I believe we should all strive to live our lives above reproach, and I believe this is one area where accountability can benefit each of us.
What is Accountability?
Accountability originates from the same root word as “account,” which means “a written financial record.” Accountants are tasked with accounting for businesses’ money; they are accountable for the accounts. When there’s a discrepancy, they go back to find the error.
Personal accountability is the act of giving an account for our actions. The standard we must follow is the life of Jesus Christ and His Word.
In my life, my accountability partner has been a key part in drawing me closer to God, providing a safe space to discuss my struggles while helping me take steps toward my goals. We share, pray for, and encourage one another in our faith journey. My accountability partner is my trusted advisor.
”If it seems advisable for me to go also, they will accompany me.” 1 Corinthians 16:4 NIV
Accountability Relationships
Accountability relationships are important in our faith walk. They should be established in love and respect and built on trust. Information shared in the relationship is confidential. It is not meant for judgment, criticism, or gossip.
“Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective.” James 5:16 NIV
Establishing an Accountability Relationship
As you seek to establish an accountability relationship, it is essential to build it on the following attributes.
- Mutual Respect
“So in everything, do to others what you would have them do to you, for this sums up the Law and the Prophets.” Matthew 7:12 NIV
It is essential to treat your accountability partner the same way you would like to be treated. To hold them in respect means to esteem, regard, and admire another person as a child of God and sister in Christ. Your life experiences and choices may be completely different from those of your sister in Christ: age, career choice, education, marital status, motherhood, or health. Acknowledge differences and embrace one another’s uniqueness.
- Kindness
“Instead, speaking the truth in love, we will grow to become in every respect the mature body of him who is the head, that is, Christ.” Ephesians 4:15 NIV
Kindness is to “Speak the truth in love.” When we share in truth, we are compassionate, gentle, and understanding.
There may be times when our trusted Christian sisters will approach us regarding our actions. When this does happen, speaking in love and respect strengthens and builds relationships.
- Trust
“A gossip betrays a confidence, but a trustworthy person keeps a secret.” Proverbs 11:13 NIV
Trust is foundational for all relationships, especially when you begin to share intimate details about your inner struggles. It takes time to build trust, and just a moment to break it. Keep your accountability partner’s personal information to yourself! Be a trustworthy sister-in-Christ.
Benefits of Accountability Relationships
The benefits of an accountability relationship can be especially rewarding over time as you celebrate answered prayers, witness one another’s spiritual growth, and achieve goals.
Finding the right accountability partner and investing time in nurturing the relationship is an excellent and rewarding way to strengthen our faith walk and deepen our relationship with God.
Do you have an accountability partner? I would love to hear your thoughts on your accountability relationship!
