Who's Keeping You In-Check????

Many churches encourage accountability. An accountability partner is a Christian who pairs up with another to avoid sinful behaviors. They keep each other “in check”, and honestly report to each other, considering themselves responsible to the other. Accountability partners can be beneficial when they fulfill the command of James 5:16, “Confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective”.

 Growing up, I was always held accountable for what I did and who I was with. In middle school I gained more independence and had more freedom, which came with responsibilities. I had to let my parents know where I was and who I was with when I was out and about around town. I kept them updated if I left one location to go to another. At first it was annoying and I didn't understand why it was so important to let them know where I was at all times. As I matured I understood why it was important and it became a habit. Even today, as old as I am, I still let my parents know where I am and  who I'm with.  I could be going to the store, the mall, or even work. When I  got to my destination I would send  a text to my parents to let them know that I got there safe and sound.

 In today's time no one wants to be held accountable, let alone be told what to do, because they feel people are judgmental and just want to be in their business. They would prefer to be secretive and private about their whereabouts, who they are with and what they are doing. That kind of mindset can hurt you in the long run. Most people have trust issues, have been hurt, rejected and betrayed. They feel like they can't turn to anyone about anything. They may think that people may have an hidden agenda, and tell the world what you told them in confidence. I am here to tell you that there are people who truly and genuinely care and are not out to hurt you by any means.

 We need to get to a place where we want to be held accountable for the life that we live. There are many way's that we can be held accountable. You do not have to be accountable fr just one specific thing. When it comes to choosing someone to be accountable to it is important that we pray and seek God as to who would be the best fit for us. God will direct us to the Man or Woman whom he wants to be that figure in our life. If you have been hurt and you don't know who to trust or confide in talk to God and he will show you who you need to check-in with.

 Different Way's of being held Accountable

• Dating
• Hanging out with Friends
• Dealing with people and situations
• Daily decision
• Making sure that you stay in line with Gods word
• Making Financial Decisions.....ect

Importance of  having Accountability: 

There is much temptation  in the world today, and satan is always stirring up and  creating even more temptations. Many Christians seek out an “accountability partner” to pray with and help share the burdens that come with doing spiritual warfare. It is good to have a brother or sister we can count on when we are facing temptations. Our brothers and sisters in Christ are supposed to be our support system and help up stay on course and on the right path.The devil  knows our weaknesses he knows when we are going through something and may even be  emotional or vulnerable at that point and time. When we are fighting with a loved one and not getting a long with co-workers, satan will take that as an opportunity to take you off course and come out of character so we become distant with God.Accountability can be helpful in the battle to overcome sin. An accountability partner can be there to encourage you, rebuke you, teach you, rejoice with you, and weep with you. Every Christian should consider having an accountability partner with who he/she can pray, talk, confide, and confess to.

How are we held Accountable By God:

• When being accountable we warn unbelievers. Ezekiel 33:8 (AMP) says;⁸ When I say to the wicked, ‘O wicked man, you will certainly die,’ and you do not speak to warn the wicked from his way, that wicked man will die because of his sin; but I will require his blood from your hand.

• When being held accountable we watch what we speak out of our mouths. Matthew 12:36-37 (AMP) says;³⁶ But I tell you, on the day of judgment people will have to give an accounting for every careless or useless word they speak. ³⁷ For by your words [reflecting your spiritual condition] you will be justified and acquitted of the guilt of sin; and by your words [rejecting Me] you will be condemned and sentenced.”
• When being held accountable, we become aware of how we live our lives.Romans 14:12 (AMP) says ;¹² So then, each of us will give an account of himself to God.

• Leaders are accountable for those that serve under them. Hebrews 13:17 (AMP) says;¹⁷ Obey your [spiritual] leaders and submit to them [recognizing their authority over you], for they are keeping watch over your souls and continually guarding your spiritual welfare as those who will give an account [of their stewardship of you]. Let them do this with joy and not with grief and groans, for this would be of no benefit to you.
• Teachers are accountable for their students. James 3:1 (AMP) says; Not many [of you] should become teachers [serving in an official teaching capacity], my brothers and sisters, for you know that we [who are teachers] will [a]be judged by a higher standard [because we have assumed greater accountability and more condemnation if we teach incorrectly].
•  Unbelievers are accountable for rejecting the truth . 1 Peter 4:5 (AMP) says; ⁵ But they will [have to] give an account to Him who is ready to judge and pass sentence on the living and the dead.

When it comes to finding someone to keep you accountable you much first:

Figure out your needs: What exactly do you want to be held accountable for, Relationships, Work, Walk with God, falling into temptation etc...Select a Mature Christian of the SAME sex that you can speak the truth with and ask tough questions to : When you do find someone that can hold you accountable you must first make sure that they are not a 'YES' person. You need someone who will keep it one hundred percent honest with you, and is not afraid of you or what you may say. Even if they say something that you may not agree with. They should not be easily manipulated or easily controlled. This is important if you are someone who is strong-willed or has a powerful personality. Last but not least  make sure that this individual is not struggling in the same area that you are seeking accountability in and you should not be familiar with this person.                    ( Familiarity: close acquaintance with or knowledge of something)Approach this person and ask them if they would like to keep you Accountable: Before you approach someone to ask them if they would hold you accountable make sure that you've sought God and prayed for him to guide you to the right person.What kind of people to be held Accountable to:Equally Yoked: First off you should make sure that the person is equally yoked with you. They should not  be unequally yoked by any means. Both of  you should have a foundation in God and the word of God.. NO EXCEPTIONS! (2 Corinthians 6:14)They should  know the word of God:  This should just be an automatic given! ( Joshua 1:8 )Mature in faith and able to "rightly divide" the word of God: In other words, if you are going through something, they should be able to give you guidance using the right passage from the word of God ( no adding or subtracting from the word of God). ( 2 Timothy 2:15)Understands Forgiveness: This individual must be able to forgive like how Christ forgives us on a daily basis. Being the person who holds someone accountable is not easy because the  person being held accountable may slip up a few times, may not take your advice, or you could have a disagreement with this individual. At the end of the day, forgive and pick up where you left off and move forward. The devil wouldn't like anything more than to see division and people fall but not get up. ( Daniel 9:9)Someone who is Compassionate who will bear with you: Overcoming obstacles is not going to be an overnight thing. It will take time and patience.( Ephesians 4:32)Someone who will focus less on the sin and more on Christ: When we are starting fresh or may be new in living for Christ, turning away from your old ways can take time and with that you may slip up, and backslide. That being said I am not saying that we are to look the other way when the person messes up and never call them to the carpet. The person holding the individual accountable should not continuously bring  up the past.  Trust and believe they know what they did was wrong, they just need to get a little rebuke, with some encouragement to follow. When you constantly bring up the past you start to make them think that they can't overcome or can't do anything right. That's where doubt, rejection, giving up, and frustration comes into play (and the enemy will come in and have his way). That  will make it harder for you, and for them to get a breakthrough and for them to know that they are over comers. ( Philippians 4:8, Hebrews 10:10,14)Trustworthy:  They must be discreet and keep confidential information confident.    (Exodus 18:21, Proverbs 11:13)

End Note:God see's ALL and knows ALL. So I encourage everyone Male and Female to be held accountable for your actions. When we can come together as children of God and help each other stay on course God gets ALL the Glory,Honor and Praise. It's always refreshing knowing that at the end of the day you have someone you can turn to and just talk to and get help and encouragement, and form a sisterhood/brotherhood that is forever!! So Remember ACCOUNTABILITY IS THE KEY TO SUCCESS!!!xoxo...God Bless <3