Covenant Accountability

This month, we are focusing on the importance of accountability - whether it is to take ownership of one's actions or to be responsible for helping another take ownership for their decisions. As a culture, we enjoy connecting and relating with others on the basis of interests, goals, hobbies, and the like; however, when those same friends decide to oppose our views or decisions, we tend to feel offended or sometimes judged. Now of course, we must be mindful of who we are letting speak into our lives. There are some people who might provide their perspective on matters that do not reflect your core values, which can cause disagreement. But nonetheless, if these are friends or relationships that have been established on our core values and have produced trust, then we should be able to take heed to their perspective and evaluate the source and validity of the content. A few things we should question are: Does the commentary align with God's word? Does it confirm something I have already been pondering in my prayer or quiet time with God? Will the advice help me become a better person or better for other people? In Galatians 6:1, it says, "Brothers and sisters, if someone is caught in a sin, you who live by the Spirit should restore that person gently. But watch yourselves, or you also may be tempted (NIV). As followers of Christ, we are given God's spirit which is not solely to benefit us, but to also help others - and in this case - the ability to "restore" or help mend where a fellow follower has deviated from God's truth and ways. And yes, the key way to do this is "gently", gracefully, lovingly. 

Although, many people claim they want accountability or want to hold others accountable, the essence of this scripture outlines the very nature of both parties: being open to correction and being governed by the Spirit to recognize and correct with humility. In order to mature and not remain babes, we need relationships that foster discipline, growth, and constant communion with Christ in order for us to flourish and become all (not partially) of who God created us to be. Throughout my journey over the past few years, I would not be at the level I am now to even teach or help others along their way if someone did not help me recognize areas that needed growth or areas where sin hindered me from advancing and being transformed inwardly to outwardly reflect who Christ really is. Several times, I immediately rebelled with the admonitions because they generally made me uncomfortable - mainly because the advice was stretching me. It forced me to come out from under my comfort zone and actually live out the effectual power of God's word. And isn't that what growing in general is all about? 

Now does this mean that you cannot keep the friends you currently have? For some, it may require some major releasing in order for God to bring more relationships into your life or it may require some shifting where the time or nature of those dynamics will change. Either way, an inventory should be taken within our relationships often to ensure that we are positioned to help others not fall into temptation and positioned to receive correction when we are falling into temptation.