Here’s a rundown of my message on Sunday about Accountability.

You can download it here and even subscribe on iTunes. (click it)

This may be a hodge podge of thoughts, so bear with me.

For me, Accountability has been something that keeps me in check not just as a pastor but as a husband and as a friend.  Accountability is a special responsibility that we get as brothers and sisters to be able to speak into each other’s lives and help each other grow both in maturity and through the refining of iron sharpening iron.

Catching “stuff” before it happens
Whether we all HAVE accountability in our lives is one thing but the truth of it is we NEED it!  I’ll always warn a friend not to touch the hot stove. WHY?  Because I know they’ll get burned.  I don’t have to touch the stove to know it’s hot, so I should probably say something if I’m going to save my friend from some scars.

In the same way I don’t have to have an affair to know that it will ruin your marriage and tear about everything you hold dear.  So in the same way, I need to call my friends out if they are in about to step into the “danger zone”.

Galatians 6:2 “Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ.”

Lifting one another’s burdens, being there for each other… that’s what it’s all about.  If I’m going to commit to accountability I’m going to commit to doing life with you and seeing what it is that burdens you and then help lift you out of it.

Proverbs 12:15 “The way of a fool seems right to him, but a wise man listens to advice.”

This is a fun one, but here’s the bottom line.  You want to do what just “feels right” and ignore the wisdom around you?  You’re a fool.  Be wise, seek counsel, search out advice.  Don’t just find the person that will tell you what you want to hear, find the person who will tell you like it is.

Accountability is often HARD TRUTH mixed with TOUGH LOVE

You’re not going to hear what you want to hear but rather what you need to hear.  Hard truth is hard for a reason.  It’s hard to give out, but tough love means I’m going to tell you what you need to hear BECAUSE of my love for you.

Proverbs 27:5-6 “Better is open rebuke than hidden love. Wounds from a friend can be trusted, but an enemy multiplies kisses.”

It’s better to hear open rebuke (public correction) than experience hidden love (gossip).  There is no one you can trust more than a TRUE friend who will step in a have the guts to call you out when you need it most.

How You Can Grow through Accountability

1. Share victories and admit struggles.
2. Speak truthfully and meet faithfully.
3. Ask questions and pray specifically.

Great lives are not lived in ISOLATION!

NEXT STEPS:
1. I will seek out an accountability partner/group.

2. I will be honest and consistent with those already around me.

3. I will commit to growth.

Accountability doesn’t happen overnight, its a journey.

What you?  What’s been your experience with Accountability?