Moments Together for Couples Sept 15

[Ninan Verghese]

by Dennis and Barbara Rainey

September 15

Three Steps to Becoming Accountable

Proverbs 27:17  Iron sharpens iron, so one man sharpens another.

While your mate should be your primary accountability partner, there also is great benefit in getting "sharpened" by other godly Christians. If you want to see some significant growth in your spiritual maturity this may be the most important step you could take.

I have three suggestions:

First, determine your needs. What are the two or three things that seem to entangle you more than anything else? Is it finances? Lustful thoughts? Overeating? Not spending enough time with the Lord?

Second, select a mature Christian-of the same sex-who would have the courage to speak the truth and ask you tough questions. This should not be someone who would fear your rejection, or someone who has a weakness in the same area, or someone you feel you can manipulate or control. This is especially important if you are strong-willed or have a powerful personality.

Third, approach this person and ask him to keep you accountable. Here is what you might say: "Bill, I have a problem and I really need your help in an area of my life. I need for you to love me through this and hold my feet to the fire, but not be judgmental. Because, Bill, I really need to get victory over this."

Finally, meet with this person on a regular basis to set measurable goals and to allow him to ask you how you're doing. Agree to a list of questions he will ask you. "Frank, have you written out a budget yet?" "Why not?" "When will you do it?" And here's a powerful one: "Have you lied to me at all today?"

If you're trying to mature in Christ and gain victory over sin by yourself, you're missing it! Praise God that He has given us the body of Christ...to strengthen us, encourage us and keep us accountable!

Prayer:

That God would lead you to people who He can use to sharpen you.

Discuss: What are your greatest needs that would lead you to find an accountability partner? Who are potential accountability partners you could approach?