A Place for Godly Accountability in the Church Today?

June 30, 2022

Is There a Place for Godly Accountability in the Church Today?

A Place for Godly Accountability in the Church Today?

By Brooke Holt

“Brothers, if anyone is caught in any transgression, you who are spiritual should restore him in a spirit of gentleness. Keep watch on yourself, lest you too be tempted. Bear one another’s burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ. For if anyone thinks he is something, when he is nothing, he deceives himself. But let each one test his own work, and then his reason to boast will be in himself alone and not in his neighbor. For each will have to bear his own load. Let the one who is taught the word share all good things with the one who teaches. Do not be deceived: God is not mocked, for whatever one sows, that will he also reap. For the one who sows to his own flesh will from the flesh reap corruption, but the one who sows to the Spirit will from the Spirit reap eternal life. And let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season we will reap, if we do not give up. So then, as we have opportunity, let us do good to everyone, and especially to those who are of the household of faith.” (Galatians 6:1-10)

Warning—the words I am writing today are not popular in our current culture. We live in a very secular society that idolizes individual expressions and rights. While it is good and godly to recognize God made every person in his image, and he created each one of us with different gifts, inclinations, personalities, and ways of expressing ourselves, God also revealed his way to us in the words of Scripture. Paul writes to Timothy: “All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work” (2 Timothy 3:16-17). The words of Scripture are not God’s suggestions for a good life; they are God’s instructions for a holy life.

As Christians in the body of Christ, we are to surrender to the Holy Spirit and the conviction of that Spirit. That is step one, but God created us to also need his people. Even when we constantly surrender to the Lord, we all have blind spots in our lives. We need people to speak the truth in love to us that we may see our sin, turn from that sin, and live in a way that glorifies the Lord. Just because our sin is forgiven does not mean we are to continue in that sin: “Are we to continue in sin that grace may abound? By no means!” (Romans 6:1-2)

The Lord’s design is that Christians would provide accountability to one another, help each other turn from sin, and walk in faithfulness. It is why there are millions of AA groups meeting in churches around the world. People need people; they need accountability! Godly accountability is not about judgment but about love. We are to love one another so much that we help each other to experience God’s best for our lives.

Faithful living leads to God’s best life for you and all God’s people. Paul reminds us we are to bear one another’s burdens but do so with wisdom and discernment. That is one of the most powerful ways we can demonstrate our love for each other. I have experienced this kind of love through healing prayer. A mentor and prayer warrior taught me about this prayer, explaining it is walking with someone into the presence of Jesus, asking him to reveal himself to bring healing, and then to help me to walk in that healing. There were so many things in my life that needed transformation. Every time I encountered God through healing prayer, I felt his love, grace, and healing touch. Those things made the way for my transformation. The law did not change me, but God’s grace, alongside the love and support of others, did.

Reflection:

Do you recognize you also need prayer warriors, mentors, and people to provide accountability? God’s grace is abundant to cover every sin. Receive the challenge, receive the grace, and allow God to work his holy work in you today. Walking in holiness is where you will experience your greatest joy and victory! Please share your thoughts in the comments.

Recommended Resource:

Follow the ancient way of the Psalms and find the life God has for you. A model for vibrant worship, the Psalms provide practical wisdom to traverse the circuitous path of life with trust and hope. Pilgrim’s Path: A Study of the Psalms traces our spiritual walk with God—from discovery and delight, through doubt and disappointment, into joyful confidence. Whether used for individual or group study, Pilgrim’s Path is for everyone who seeks to know and love God more and find life in him.