Last week we began a two part series on accountability. Today we will conclude this series by looking at why accountability is so important.
Why Is Accountability So Important?
We all need accountability! Consider four reasons why every believer must have accountability in their lives.
You battle against very real enemies.
As believers we battle against the world, the flesh, and the devil. The world is the system that is in rebellion against Christ and the gospel. The flesh is the “old self” or “sin nature” that is at war with the Spirit. The devil is referred to in scripture as the “accuser of the brethren,” “the destroyer,” and the “tempter.” He tries to lead the believer astray from the path of God, which results in disobedience and rebellion against the will of God!
Through these accountable relationships we can encourage one another to fight the good fight, and persevere even in the midst of the battle!
Someone has said that the Christian life is not a playground it is a battleground! That being said, we desperately need to challenge and encourage one another to endure and persevere for the faith of the gospel.
Your testimony is at stake.
Our testimony not only involves what we say, but our whole manner of life! Paul prayed for the believers in Colossae:
So as to walk in a manner worthy of the Lord, fully pleasing to him, bearing fruit in every good work and increasing in the knowledge of God. Colossians 1:10, ESV
When you are part of an accountability group, others earn the right to “call you out” when your life doesn’t line up with the Word of God. They can also speak into your life to encourage you to live a life that pleases God.
Desire to be right with God.
More than anything else in life, a believer should have a heartfelt desire to have an intimate growing relationship with Christ – not to just have union with Him, but to have communion with Him!
Through these accountable relationships there will come, with time, a growing transparency with your group members. There will be a freedom to be brutally honest with one another, which leads to confession and restoration. Notice how James describes this kind of interaction.
15 And the prayer of faith will save the one who is sick, and the Lord will raise him up. And if he has committed sins, he will be forgiven15 Therefore, confess your sins to one another and pray for one another, that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person has great power as it is working. James 5:15-16, ESV
Build others up.
Everyone needs encouragement! All of us need from time to time to be “coached up!” We have the opportunity in the body of Christ to give encouragement and receive encouragement from other believers. Notice what Hebrews 10:24-25 states:
24 And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, 25 not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near. Hebrews 10:24-25 ESV
Through these accountable relationships, we are not only encouraged and edified; we can minister to others as well!
If you want to grow spiritually the greatest thing you could do this year would be to get into a discipleship group. In a D group you can find the accountability we all need to grow and flourish spiritually!
Help find accountability in your d-group by giving them the D-Group Starter Guide! This resource will help you coach and train your people and help them see that a D-Group is not as complicated and time consuming at they may think.
Pastors, find help developing every aspect of your discipleship ministry by checking out the Replicate Network.
