Is follow through ever a problem for you? I know it can be for me from time to time, typically when I get out of my regular routine. For example, I work out 5 days a week; however, when I travel, it is harder for me to make the effort to exercise. I do it because I know I am going to have to answer to my trainer. She will want to know what type of workout I did and how often I did it…accountability. It is a beautiful thing.
When we ask someone to hold us accountable, we are giving them permission to get into our business and ask the hard questions. Nothing can be off limits with an accountability partner for it to be effective.
Having an accountability partner in your journey of faith is beneficial. They help you remain alert and focused on things of Kingdom value. An accountability partner isn’t like a police officer looking for an opportunity to bust you. He or she is the one who comes along beside you when you are struggling to help you along the way or share your excitement when things are going well. It is important not to cross gender lines when you are choosing an accountability partner. The enemy is constantly looking for an opportunity to devour you, so do not give him a foothold [1 Peter 5:8, Ephesians 4:27].
Ecclesiastes tells us two are better than one [Ecclesiastes 4:9]. Proverbs 27:17 says “As iron sharpens iron, so one man sharpens another.” We help make each other stronger, better.
Jesus chose twelve men as disciples, to serve along beside Him in His ministry. However, He had three of those men, Peter, James and John, who were like the inner three. He shared more intimate details with them [Matthew 17:1, Mark 5:37, 9:2, 14:33]. He was setting an example for us to follow. We need accountability in many things, but especially in our walk with the Lord.
I am a sponsor for Fellowship of Christian Athletes at my daughter’s school. My job is to work with the student leaders. It isn’t uncommon for me to look them in the eye one at a time and ask them before their peers how their quiet time is going. They know I want more than just “okay.” They have to share how frequently they’ve been meeting with Jesus, what He’s been sharing with them in the Word, and if they are reading any support material such as devotionals or books. I don’t do this to be mean. I do it to hold them to their commitment. When they accepted Christ as their Lord and Savior they agreed to have a relationship with Him. Their ability to be a good leader and make a difference in their school is dependent on that relationship. They also know they have the freedom to ask me the same questions in front of the group.
Do you have someone in your life who will ask the hard questions on a regular basis? If not, ask the Lord to bring someone to mind. He knows who would “hold your feet to the fire” in love. Seek His guidance today.