Why Is Accountability So Important for Christians?
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“So then, each of us will give an account of ourselves to God” (Romans 14:12).
Accountability is a subject that’s talked about a lot in the business world. Leaders are especially encouraged to hold themselves to certain standards for the good of their team and their company.
As followers of Christ, we are each called to be a kind of leader for those around us. We are to set an example of not just good behavior, but Godly behavior. And a willingness to be personally accountable will help us, our families, our churches, and the community at large to be healthier and more effective.
What Does It Mean to Be Accountable?
One of the definitions of “accountable” is “answerable.” In other words, it means a person is held responsible to others, either for certain results or in a more general way. Done well, accountability leads someone to be more reliable and consistent in how they live and show themselves to others.
True accountability starts with accepting that we are all imperfect. It demands that we be honest enough with ourselves to receive correction, or to speak the truth in love to others when it’s needed. Approached that way, while it might sting in the moment, accountability will bring us more joy and deeper faith.
Why Accountability Is Part of God’s Plan
One of our Father’s highest purposes is for us to look more and more like His Son. Part of that is clearing away faulty beliefs or thoughts, and then replacing them with His truth. It’s a process - one that requires us to invite Him into our hearts and respond to His correction, and to allow others to speak into our lives as well.
It may not sound like fun at first, but our Lord is always a gentle teacher. And as we submit, we’ll start to find that accountability actually brings us benefits. Pursuing this holy habit helps:
To keep us aligned with God’s plan
“Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight” (Proverbs 3:5-6).
To keep us on track to maturity
“The Lord makes firm the steps of the one who delights in him; though he may stumble, he will not fall, for the Lord upholds him with his hand” (Psalm 37:23-24).
To keep us connected with others
“Instead, speaking the truth in love, we will grow to become in every respect the mature body of him who is the head, that is, Christ” (Ephesians 4:15).
To keep us able to represent God well
“For we are taking pains to do what is right, not only in the eyes of the Lord but also in the eyes of man” (2 Corinthians 8:21).
Who Are We Meant to Be Accountable To?
We are to seek accountability from two places:
1. From God (through His Word and His Holy Spirit)
“’I the Lord search the heart and examine the mind, to reward each person according to their conduct, according to what their deeds deserve” (Jeremiah 17:10).
“‘But I tell you that everyone will have to give account on the day of judgment for every empty word they have spoken. For by your words you will be acquitted, and by your words you will be condemned’” (Matthew 12:36-37).
“Nothing in all creation is hidden from God’s sight. Everything is uncovered and laid bare before the eyes of him to whom we must give account” (Hebrews 4:13).
2. From Fellow Believers (through Fellowship)
“As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another” (Proverbs 27:7).
“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. Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ” (Galatians 6:1-2).
“Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed” (James 5:16).
“If your brother or sister sins against you, rebuke them; and if they repent, forgive them” (Luke 17:3).
People in Scripture Who Sought Accountability
King David
He declared that God honors those who seek accountability.
“Good and upright is the Lord; therefore he instructs sinners in his ways. He guides the humble in what is right and teaches them his way” (Psalm 25:8-9).
He shared the need to be accountable for his imperfections.
“But who can discern their own errors? Forgive my hidden faults” (Psalm 19:12).
He told how blessings came from being accountable to God.
“Then I acknowledged my sin to you and did not cover up my iniquity. I said, ‘I will confess my transgressions to the Lord.’ And you forgave the guilt of my sin” (Psalm 32:5).
The Apostle Paul
He experienced being held accountable by Jesus.
“As he neared Damascus on his journey, suddenly a light from heaven flashed around him. He fell to the ground and heard a voice say to him, ‘Saul, Saul, why do you persecute me?’ ‘Who are you, Lord?’ Saul asked. ‘I am Jesus, whom you are persecuting,’ he replied. ‘Now get up and go into the city, and you will be told what you must do’” (Acts 9:3-6).
He desired to hold himself accountable.
“So I find this law at work: Although I want to do good, evil is right there with me. For in my inner being I delight in God’s law; but I see another law at work in me, waging war against the law of my mind and making me a prisoner of the law of sin at work within me. What a wretched man I am! Who will rescue me from this body that is subject to death? Thanks be to God, who delivers me through Jesus Christ our Lord!” (Romans 7:21-25).
Two Cautions When Giving or Receiving Accountability
1. God isn’t looking for perfection, so neither should we. We must not be too hard on ourselves or others.
“For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God” (Romans 3:23).
2. God isn’t calling us to make judgements. We must not be self-condemning or harsh on ourselves or others about needing to grow.
“You, then, why do you judge your brother or sister? Or why do you treat them with contempt? For we will all stand before God’s judgment seat” (Romans 14:10).
Making ourselves accountable is actually a wonderful way to worship God. It shows that we value knowing and obeying Him. If we’re wise, we’ll seek the help of the Lord and our trusted brothers and sisters. And then, as we support each other and celebrate the process, God gets the glory.
“Let the message of Christ dwell among you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom through psalms, hymns, and songs from the Spirit, singing to God with gratitude in your hearts” (Colossians 3:16).
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