I love words and the word account or accountability is an interesting one!

An account can be as simple as our bank account (which includes “counting” to balance a checkbook – even if your computer software does it for you!).  Accountability is an explanation of something that has happened, especially one given to somebody in authority. An accountability person, then, is someone who helps you count – not with numbers, but with questions about attitudes, actions, words, desires, successes, failures, and all the stuff life is made of.  God has given me a great accountability partner and friend and each week we ask each other the hard questions.  Did you view anything on the internet you wouldn't want Jesus or your wife to know you saw?  Is there someone you had trouble loving as Jesus loves?  Were you honest in your business dealings?  Did you obey the laws of the land?  Did you exercise and eat right (I hated this question so much I started back to the YMCA to exercise again).  And as pastors, did you pray and read your Bible?  Did you intentionally share your faith?  How did you treat your wife and children?  Is your heart pure regarding the women in your church or those who have more money and stuff than you do?

I've found it's both painful and liberating to be accountable when you can trust someone (and place yourself under their authority) to take an inventory of your life on a weekly basis!

Don't have a person like this in your life?

Two simple suggestions:  first, your accountability partner ordinarily can't be your wife or husband because, unless you are superman (spiritually and morally), you will not likely be totally honest with your spouse.  Second, ask the hard questions, which include: Have you been honoring, understanding, and generous in your important relationships this week?  Have you damaged a person by your words (either face-to-face or behind their back)?  Have you been a testimony to the greatness of Jesus Christ with both your words and actions?  Have you given in to an addictive behavior this week?  Have you been completely honest with me today?

I encourage you to find someone to help you count!

Having an accountability partner (who is a pastor) has helped lighten the burdens of my heart and I trust it's true for him as well.

Pastor Mark