Accountability

Teenage girl in trouble with parentsThis is a really big word that carries a lot with it. I think of it as a friend trying to help me make the right choices for my life. Things sometimes distract me that direct my thoughts and actions away from what I’m supposed to be doing. I need accountability to work smarter not harder. I also need accountability in my walk with the Lord. I need someone who is a close trusted friend to point out when my walk and my talk are not getting along. Paul really takes on this situation at the church in Corinth. He doesn’t pull punches – he lays it out pretty clear. Check this out…

9 I wrote to you in my letter not to associate with sexually immoral people— 10 not at all meaning the people of this world who are immoral, or the greedy and swindlers, or idolaters. In that case you would have to leave this world. 11 But now I am writing to you that you must not associate with anyone who claims to be a brother or sister but is sexually immoral or greedy, an idolater or slanderer, a drunkard or swindler. Do not even eat with such people. (1 Corinthians 5:9-11 NIV)

Paul really wants Christians to be quite different from people who are ignoring the instructions from God about how to live. There are boundaries and moral code of behavior that should be followed at every level of our culture.  Sexually immoral people don’t necessarily care about who they hurt, they just want self gratification. They want what they want at any cost. Their moral code has broken down because they will say whatever and do whatever to get what they want.

As a believer I must walk out my faith. I also believe that this “walking out” of my faith should be in the presence of other believers who will “call me out” if I’m out of line. I think the ones doing the “calling out” should realize that their role is not law-giver and judge, but that of a brother or sister trying to help me walk out my faith. Accountability can also be called “tough love”.  I need others along this journey of living out my faith. I need accountability seasoned with grace.

Pressing On!
Dwayne

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