Hebrews 10:24-25, James 5:16, Exodus 17
Continued from page 1
- Hebrews 10:24-25
- James 5:16
- Exodus 17
Hopefully now you will have a few ideas written down.
For me some key words that come up are:
Relationship
A good accountability relationship
takes time to build and means we need to actually spend time investing
in that relationship. How often you meet up is a very personal thing,
but it needs to be regular.
Honesty
An accountability relationship works
best when we can be completely honest about how we are doing. This
includes being able to confess our sins to one another. It also means
allowing someone to speak honestly into your life and being willing to
listen to them when they share any concerns or areas of guidance.
Sometimes using accountability questions can be a helpful tool. For
instance when you meet together you may want to ask each other 'are
there any temptations you have been facing lately', 'what is one area
where you feel the weakest at the moment' or 'have you had any areas
of 'break through this last month?'
Encouragement
We all know how much difference a
word of encouragement can make to us! God seems to think this one is
so important that we are told to make it a part of our every day
lives.
Support
Most importantly an
accountability relationship should be supportive. Like Moses friends
supported him when he couldn't hold his arms up any longer, we need
people who will support us in our areas of weakness. This might be
through encouraging words, practical help, prayer, advice.
So . . . before you go off and do what ever is next on your list for today, spend some time thinking through the following questions.
- Do I have anyone 'watching my back'?
- Are they someone who will be real with me and challenge me in my faith?
- Are they someone I can be honest with?
- Are there particular areas I could do with some support in?
- Am I currently using my life to encourage another person?
Just wanted to thank God for two beautiful friends who have stuck with me in the good & not so good times. God has used them to watch my back. I would encourage every Christian to ask God to provide you with someone to be accountable to. Be blessed.