Advantages to Accountability

4-19-2011 by Boyd Bailey

Advantages to Accountability


“The prudent see danger and take refuge, but the simple keep going and pay the penalty.” Proverbs 22:3

Accountability is a check and balance to assure the best decisions. It is a process of involving wise people in the decision-making process; so all options are weighed and considered based on their probability of success. Accountability works best for individuals with an open hand, whose desire is what’s best for the whole.

For example, we may to want to aggressively grow our enterprise, but wise counsel around us recommends we expand with cash and not debt. Pride may want to charge ahead and dismiss sound advice, while humility is willing to listen and wait on God’s provision. Clarity comes to those who weigh all options and wisely choose the best.

“All a person’s ways seem pure to them, but motives are weighed by the LORD” (Proverbs 16:2).

What decision do you face that requires waiting and not moving ahead half prepared? Perhaps in the process of dating a special person, you both decide in the beginning of the relationship to wait a year before you begin talking about marriage. This guideline protects you from making a rash decision you may later regret. Ask another couple to hold you accountable, as you do better when others are watching.

Who is a trusted advisor in your life that can steer you with solid counsel? Surround yourself with those who don’t directly benefit from what they recommend you to do. They are objective and free from the temptation of private gain, based on your public behavior.

Accountability is the Lord’s instrument to protect you from the penalty of prideful decision-making. Mistakes will be made—but accountability minimizes them.

“The king answered the people harshly. Rejecting the advice given him by the elders, he followed the advice of the young men [who had grown up with him v.10]” (1 Kings 12:13-14a).

Accountability is Almighty God’s answer to you trying to figure out life alone. Do not waste time floundering around by yourself—moreover, avoid dangerous decisions by slowing down and discerning the right path for you. The Lord will lead you if you listen to those who know you well and who want His very best for you. The greatest advantage of accountability is remaining in God’s will and not discrediting years of faithfulness. We do better when others are watching, so open up and let them see what God already knows.

“You have searched me, LORD, and you know me. You know when I sit and when I rise; you perceive my thoughts from afar. You discern my going out and my lying down; you are familiar with all my ways” (Psalm 139:1-3).

What area of my life do I need to open up to the accountability of trusted advisors?

Related Readings: Psalm 139:23-24; Proverbs 24:12; 26:12; 2 Thessalonians 3:1