Some brief thoughts on developing accountable relationships…
2 Corinthians 13:5 – “Examine yourselves to see whether you are in the faith; test yourselves. Do you not realize that Christ Jesus is in you–unless, of course, you fail the test?”
Examining yourself a couple of times throughout each year isn’t a bad idea. In fact, some consider it a key to your Christian growth. It helps you assess whether or not you are moving forward in your relationship with Christ, standing still…or actually moving backwards.
To mix the metaphor, if we are not swimming with all our might toward our goal (which is our Christlikeness) then we are either swimming toward the wrong goal, remaining in the same place, or drifting backwards…all three of which are harmful to our spiritual health. But rejoice, if you are truly in Christ then there is good news. The apostle Paul says in Philippians 1:6 that he was confident that God who began a good work in you would carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus. In other words, God’s not going to give up on you.
So pray for a fresh filling of God’s Spirit in your life to help you can persevere in “swimming” the race set before you. And rejoice that you don’t have to swim it alone. It is vital to remember that it is the Spirit of God who gives you the power, desire, and direction to finish the race.
And yet, there are also brothers and sisters in Christ who are invested in seeing you finish well in your journey with Christ. Such accountability with others can be a wonderful help. It can be a faithful tool in the hands of godly friends. But it often takes time to develop such trusting and open relationships with such people. Yet it’s worth the effort.
Below are some links to some great articles on the subject of accountability as well as some pages of penetrating accountability questions for you to ponder regarding how you’re doing in your faith.
And, as always, let me know what I can do to help you. It’s why I’m here.
[PS - Wow! What a mess of mixed metaphors that was!]
Accountability Resources
Accountability by Ken Boa – Great article on the subject. A must read.
Are You Leading A Hazardous Life? by Jeff Miller – These are the questions/statements that I read aloud this morning.
How to Conquer a Secret Thought Life by Pat Morley – Morley knows men. This is a great article on dealing with the garbage that’s already in your head…and how to keep more garbage from finding its way into your head.
How to Have an Accountable Relationship by Pat Morley – Good practical tools on how to gather with other men for the purpose of holding one another accountable in your faith…which includes every sphere of your life.
Accountability Questions by Ramesh Richard
More Accountability Questions from the ministry, “Men of Integrity“
ACCOUNTABILITY:Pursuing Vital Relationships, Part One: Getting Ready by Jim Clayton
ACCOUNTABILITY:Pursuing Vital Relationships, Part Two – Play Ball! by Jim Clayton
I hope these resources will serve you well as you pursue the likeness of Christ in your life…for every sphere of your life.
Grace and Truth,
Dale
Thanks for sharing.
Thanks so much for stopping by.