Accountability Partner.
James 5:16a Confess your faults one to another…
The idea of an accountability partner has become real to me in the last two years. Having someone to keep checking on you is very helpful. Whether it’s someone keeping you accountable about your diet, exercise routine, Bible reading, or a sin, it creates a greater desire to follow through. Let’s look at the practical side of accountability partners.
An accountability partner should be someone you are close to and trust. Someone who will ask how you did each day on your particular sin. Don’t use someone who struggles in the same area as you. Men, have a man. Ladies, have a lady.
An important piece to the puzzle is that you are completely honest with your accountability partner. Don’t give partial answers, don’t sugarcoat the truth. Own up to your sin and confess. Don’t avoid your accountability partner or their question. Inform your accountability partner when you are struggling, before you fail. That way they can pray and help.
If you are an accountability partner, be faithful to do your part each day. Don't break someone’s trust in you. Pray for those who confess to you. Don’t ridicule. Be firm. Speak the truth in love.
You may wonder why an accountability partner is necessary or if you need one. Any struggle is helped by accountability. It also signifies what our sin does to our relationship with God. It helps us remember the importance of confessing our sin…
When someone you love and trust agrees to keep you accountable you will be uncomfortable and ashamed to confess your faults. You may choose not to own up to your failure or even downplay it. You may start avoiding your accountability partner, so that they can’t ask, or so you don’t have to answer. When you choose to hide your faults or be dishonest, you will become uncomfortable around your accountability partner and your fellowship will be hindered.
The illustration above is a clear picture of what sin does for us and God. When we sin and don’t deal with it, our fellowship with God will come to a halt. We will be uncomfortable in His presence and will try to avoid Him. Broken fellowship and continual shame is a result of being dishonest with God.
Remember, just because your flesh wants something, doesn’t mean you have to do it. Deny the flesh. Get someone to keep you accountable to tell the flesh no, by saying yes to the Spirit.