Active Accountability

11-29-2010

Active Accountability by Boyd Bailey


“But if you warn the righteous man not to sin and he does not sin, he will surely live, because he took the warning, and you will have saved yourself.” Ezekiel 3:21

Effective accountability partners are not passive. Once someone invites a friend into their life for accountability it becomes a serious responsibility for the giving partner. Accountability is active, engaging and encouraging. The giver and the receiver of accountability have entered into a trusting relationship. Indeed, wisdom listens to the warning of its accountability partner or group.

Authentic accountability requires caring confrontation. A little bit of discomfort and embarrassment in the short-term will save you a lot of long-term regret. Thus, as you grow, when you encounter emotional situations you can keep a level head. Accountability facilitates objectivity. When you are under pressure, you have an objective team that will give you a wise perspective. Your accountability group is there as a buffer to unwise decision-making.

“Better a poor but wise youth than an old but foolish king who no longer knows how to heed a warning” (Ecclesiastes 4:13).

Accountability gives needed courage for another to do the right thing. Sometimes it’s hard decisions that paralyze us into non-action. However, avoiding a difficult decision today will compound its inevitable consequences into the future. Accountability helps you to not procrastinate when you are afraid. It relieves your fears and bolsters your faith in the living Lord.

For example, a team member may need to be terminated for the good of the company and for their individual betterment. Or, a prospective church volunteer may need to be told “no” because their character is not fitting for a leadership role. Or, possibly your young adult child is not yet prepared for marriage because they need to first move out from home and experience independent living. Accountability helps everyone understand their gifts and talents before moving forward in God’s will.

Above all else—live like you are accountable to Almighty God—as one day we will all give an account to Him for our actions, “They are surprised that you do not join them in their reckless, wild living, and they heap abuse on you. But they will have to give account to Him who is ready to judge the living and the dead” (1 Peter 4:4-5).

Am I truly accountable to others and do I provide effective accountability to friends?

Related Readings: Proverbs 7:1-27; Jonah 3:6; Luke 17:1-4; Hebrews 4:13