The Importance of Accountability

For the first time in my life, I am a part of an accountability group.  I have never had an official accountability partner, although my husband is an invaluable sounding board and support in leading me in a godly, biblical direction.  Another dear friend has also provided a helpful degree of accountability.  As she says of our relationship, “We can talk about trivial things but usually bring it back to how we should act or respond in Christ.”

Last night I met with my accountability group of five ladies for the first time.  After a fantastic first night of sharing and bonding, I am excited about the potential of growing together in our walks with the Lord.

But why does accountability matter?  Is it truly worth sacrificing a couple of hours a week of family time, relaxation, or other events to meet with these ladies for this purpose?

Yes!  And God tells us exactly why.

“But exhort one another daily, while it is called ‘Today,’ lest any of you be hardened through the deceitfulness of sin.”  Hebrews 3:13

Christians are to exhort one another, which means we are to caution, advise, and even warn our siblings in Christ.  We are to teach and be teachable, correct and be corrected.  We are to encourage each other, which includes not only sending a thoughtful note or complimenting someone on a job well done, but also supporting and gently nudging one another towards growth in godly character, biblical knowledge, and spiritual wisdom.

This is accountability! 

And it is important, as the urgent tone of Hebrews 3:13 suggests.  God commands it.  Our faith in His Word should compel us to obedience with or without a reason for it.  Yet in this instance, God gives us what we wish we had in every command from Him: an explanation, an answer to the question “Why?”   

Satan’s job is to deceive, which is about all he can do, but deception is powerful.  Accountability (exhorting one another) counters Satan’s work.  When we encourage, teach, correct, pray, and in general urge and motivate one another to grow biblically, we are less likely to be deceived by sin and have our hearts hardened against God’s righteous way.  Rather than being unable or unwilling to recognize God’s truth, accountability helps us clearly distinguish and accept it.  We grow not only in character and knowledge, but also in spiritual discernment. 

Furthermore, we produce more fruit in our lives – love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control - and God is glorified.  Not only is accountability an act of obedience to the Lord and a way to prevent being deceived by the enemy, but its results also glorify God to the world around us. 

Is accountability important?  Absolutely!