Let's Talk Spiritual Health: ACCOUNTABILITY

There is much temptation in the world today. Boy! We can all attest to that. Satan is working overtime to create even more. Therefore, we must have a brother or sister we can count on when facing temptations that threaten our spiritual lives.

Knowing that we are in a battle with forces of darkness, we should want as much help as we can gather around us. We all realize that even if we equip ourselves with everything God in defense of evil, we are still human and we may not always be able to resist Satan’s temptation. We know that without a doubt temptation will come. This is why it is extremely important to surround ourselves with accountability partners who are also seeking a spiritual path. Proverbs 27:17 says, ‘Iron sharpens iron. So a man sharpens his friend’s countenance.’ A friend’s countenance is a look or expression of encouragement or moral support. When is the last time you had a friend call you just to ask how you were doing? When is the last time you called a friend and asked her/him if they needed to talk? Encouragement and moral support from a friend are sometimes the missing ingredients in fighting the battle against Satan. The problem lies when we seek Godly advice or seek Godly accountability from those who are on a path not seeking to live a Godly lifestyle. We seek wisdom from those who are not wise; and instead of speaking what is righteous and true, speaking what feels good to our flesh and what we want to hear or speaking from a pride point of view. Many people cannot handle having a person to hold them accountable. They become defensive. They become offended. Only to realize later, after destruction, that having that moral support was wise. Proverbs constantly teaches us to seek wisdom from the wise. Satan is crafty and seeking advise from those who are not striving to be righteous can leave us feeling betrayed, empty, and unfulfilled because we are just looking for someone to listen instead of seeking those who will help us reach the higher level. Use your Godly wisdom when speaking your confidences and confessions to another. This way, you will not be disappointed and will not have to worry about if that person is speaking ill against you or throwing your confidences back into your face. Accountability is crucially important in the battle to overcome sin. An accountability partner can be there to encourage you, to rebuke you, to teach you, to rejoice with you, and to weep with you. Hebrews 10:24-25 says, ‘Let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds. Let us not give up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but let us encourage one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching.’ Remember, every believer should have an accountability partner with whom you can pray, talk, confide, and confess.


Happy Spiritual Health