"Faithful Accountability"

We must each seek our individual accountability in all things which is essential for any society to function in a generally beneficial manner and the accountability of the faithful isn't any different. We are all to be held to accountable in one form or another by the society in which we participate and within the realm of the needs of the nurturing of the soul. One such illustration is that there are laws to obey and if we fail to be obedient, we are subject to have to suffer the consequences set by the officials who hold us accountable.

Accountability is in very essence being responsible for one's own actions and the karmic consequences as a result of choices. There are several personal accountability groups which specialize in assisting people who would like to overcome an issue such as addiction or some other self-defeating behavioral tendency. As mere humans, we find the greatest of support, comfort, and motivation from others who are struggling with similar life circumstances most beneficial since they can directly relate to our current struggles. There are Faithful accountability groups as well. We Faithful need support and comfort and often find this through the accountability of faith. There are two essential elements to accountability: trust and ability of relation.

Trust and confidence is fundamental in order to establish a trusting faithful accountability and there needs to be a reliable trust. Developing trust is a slow growing process and it takes time to develop and secure. As people meet together to share, they begin to establish a rapport with one another. How is this accomplished? Let's see what scripture tells us. Active listening is essential to developing trust. “Wherefore, my beloved brethren, let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath:” – {James 1:19} A non-judgmental attitude is an additional essential element of trust. Remember, we can be accepting of an individual while being discerning of the situation. “Judge not, that ye be not judged. For with what judgment ye judge, ye shall be judged: and with what measure ye mete, it shall be measured to you again.” – {Matthew 7:1-2}

In the health support groups, Caring for one another, lifting the fallen, supporting the walk of the doubtful and those weak in determination and being the first with an out stretched loving hand of help are all essential. “And this commandment have we from him, that he who loveth G-d love his brother also.” – {1 John 4:21} Accountability involves an open willingness to be receptive to His will and His command aa well as to be obedient to the same. Open yourself up and share sensitive or personal information with HaShem, after all, He already is aware of whatever you shall share, but sharing in honest candor with our Lord builds our trust in both Him and ourselves. Open yourself to share the same with those closest to you in faith, for without knowledge of your most secreted weaknesses, your brethren in loving Redeemer are lacking ability to be of true help and support…. this is why trust is so imperative. If you sense trust, you are more open to share your innermost thoughts beyond concern of betrayal.

A Deeper look into the Faithful's Accountability: Among the very essential ingredients of a connected relationship with Yehoshua, ability to relate is of great importance among the faithful's accountability. It is useful helpful when the group shares a common bond or has been through similar experiences. People who relate to one another can empathize and are securely confident to reveal what is hidden to most of the world, where sharing is done with an understanding heart. People can feel comfortable in sharing their circumstances, and can be totally accepted without fear of rejection in the company of those who have traveled or are traveling the same path. Does the Bible speak of a the faithful's accountability? Scripture instructs us that Hashem holds us accountable.

“So then every one of us shall give account of himself to G-d.” - {Romans 14:12} This is whole of personal accountability in faith. Believers are also accountable to one another. In 1 Corinthians chapter 12, we read that the Faithful are all part of the same body.... the body of Christ.... WE ARE THE CHURCH, not a structure, not an address but we ourselves together and each member needs or belongs to the other. This Scripture suggests the importance of strong accountability between the faithful. It is important for each of the faithful to have at least one other person steeled in faith in which to confide, pray with, listen to, and encourage and to be encouraged. “But now are they many members, yet one body.” – {1 Corinthians 12:20}

“Brethren, if a man be overtaken in a fault, ye which are spiritual, restore such a one in the spirit of meekness; considering thyself, lest thou also be tempted. Bear ye one another's burdens, and so fulfil the law of Christ.” – {Galatians 6:1-2} If your accountability friend and partner has done something contrary to the code of our L-rd, you are called upon to address them gently, forgive them, and comfort them. You are called to help guide them once again to walk upon the righteous path. It also admonishes you to consider yourself, because no one is out of reach of temptation. The faithful's accountability is encouraging each other to grow fully and to mature in their spirituality. “And let us consider one another to provoke unto love and to good works:” – {Hebrews 10:24}

We are also instructed; “Wherefore comfort yourselves together, and edify one another, even as also ye do.” – {1 Thessalonians 5:11} Are you truly accountable? Do you have a friend with whom you can partner in Lord with for ongoing mutual support? Will that person hold you accountable in your spiritual walk, are they strong enough to address your missteps in an encouraging and loving manner? Are you the type of person that people can come to when they need the supportive accountability of another deeply committed in faith? Do you want a faithful accountability partner? If so, establishing a beneficial and loving supportive relationship with one of faith is not too difficult a task to easily achieve.

Accountability and Personal Action: Do you want to develop the faithful's accountability in your life? Here are some steps to help you find an accountability partner or a group which is a faithful means of support; Begin by praying for HaShem (G-d) to reveal the person (or group of people). Consider the possibilities: a person of the clergy in who you hold respect and welcomed comfort, fellow members of your church, people of faith at your work place, close friends, a person you wholly respect, etc. Seek people who are going through similar circumstances or have experienced them in their past and have built great strength and faith from the experience. Perhaps you would feel more comfortable joining an online group or finding that one reliable faithful person in line with which to share regularly. Be open to HaShem's (G-d's) natural leading guidance of direction. Invite the person to lunch, meet one another's family, talk on the phone.

The advantage of group gatherings is that the attendees are greatly welcoming, get your toes wet, check one out and see if this could be a great pillar among your support. Get to know one another. Do you get along? Do you enjoy your time together? If you are confident that this is the right person or group, ask if they would be your accountability partner(s). In the accountability of the faithful.... be patient, always. Developing an accountability friendship/partner takes time and intentional devoted effort. Participate in activities together and pray regularly for one another and with one another.

If your friend shares the confession of an issue such as, "I'm really having trouble spending enough time with my kids," then next time you meet, discuss progress being made on issue. This will begin a basic accountability relationship. Then you can begin to hold one another accountable for things like: scripture study and prayer, physically healthy habits like exercise and dieting, establishing a good witness at work and be willing to openly share your testimony, discuss progress on integrity issues, and so on. Remember always, it is essential to keep your discussions confidential! If possible, it is wise to establish a regular set time where you can meet together or talk on the phone. This creates consistency and shows how much you value your accountability relationship and illustrates your willing efforts to be a stronger person in faith. Perhaps when you meet, you want to do a Bible study together or share what you've been learning in your quiet times with Hashem.

What have you done to enhance your relationship with your spouse? “Two [are] better than one; because they have a good reward for their labour. For if they fall, the one will lift up his fellow: but woe to him [that is] alone when he falleth; for [he hath] not another to help him up.”‘ – {Ecclesiastes 4:9-10}

Before HaShem, we strive to become complete in our steeled faith and habitual willingness of sacrifice and aid to those whose need calls to you through the will of our L-rd; go then, ye faithful and strengthened, fulfill the will of your Creator!

Walk in faith, go in His grace and know YOU are loved,

Pastor Mark