Giving an Account

Being held accountable for our lives, the way we represent what we say we believe, is essential for ongoing growth. Examination of our actions, our words and deeds prepares us for relationships where we hold others accountable too. If we are not willing to give an account of our thoughts and behaviors, we are not in a position to expect others to share their successes and failures with us.

When we give an account, we are showing we are teachable, and open to correction. Being teachable is essential to teaching others. It equips us to train others to honor God with the lives He has given them.

As women, we are called to live self-controlled, steadfast lives built on a sound and solid faith (Titus 2:2-5). When we have learned this, we are then able to encourage and counsel others to do the same.

However, accountability does not mean we need to share every thought and discuss every action with another (we are called to do this with the Lord), it does mean we need to examine our thoughts and actions to ensure they are honoring first of God, and then of others.

To establish personal accountability, we need to evaluate our thoughts, and allow the truths of Scripture to discern our motives, ‘For the word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing to the division of soul and of spirit, of joints and of marrow, and discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart.' (Hebrews 4:12)

To begin a pattern of accountability, consider the following:

1. What are your reasons and motives for the things that you do?

2. What value and importance do you place in people, places and things rendering one thing or person more worthy of your time and attention than another?

3. When you perceive a wrong, how do you respond?

4. When your accountability person misunderstands and insists your behaviors change - they may call them sin, however in time they come to realize they were wrong, how do you respond?

5. Are you willing to be held accountable?

6. Are you teachable?

7. Who will hold you accountable?

For further personal accountability of thoughts consider the answer to the above questions in light of Philippians 4:8-9, ‘whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things. What you have learned and received and heard and seen in me—practice these things, and the God of peace will be with you.’ What do your answers reveal about the truth of your relationship with God and others?

• Each of us will give an account of himself to God (Romans 14:12)

• If he has wronged you at all, or owes you anything, charge that to my account. (Philemon 1:18)

• We destroy arguments and every lofty opinion raised against the knowledge of God, and take every thought captive to obey Christ (2 Corinthians 10:5)

#accountability