Moments Together for Couples Sept 11

[Ninan Verghese]

by Dennis and Barbara Rainey

September 11

Accountability: Your Personal Alarm System

Ephesians 5:21  And be subject to one another in the fear of Christ.

One of the tallest skyscrapers in New England is the John Hancock Building in Boston. When this structure of over 40 floors was built, there were all kinds of problems with the windows. During the stress of the freezing and thawing of the New England winter, the windows actually popped out of their frames and shattered. People walking on the sidewalk below were showered with glass. Businessmen working at their desks suddenly found themselves seated a few inches from nothing, staring straight down at the street.

The architects and contractors got together and finally decided to install a small alarm system in each window. When the windows began to bulge and contract, the alarm system would let maintenance people know so they could make adjustments that would take tension off the glass before it blew out and shattered.

I believe every person needs an alarm system that can help him or her relieve the tension before something shatters. One of the best alarm systems I know of is to become accountable to each other.

Accountability is a scriptural principle that tells us to "be subject to one another in the fear of Christ." This means I choose to submit my life to the scrutiny of another person to gain spiritual strength, growth and balance.

Accountability means asking the other person for advice. It means giving the other person the freedom to make honest observations and evaluations about you. It means we're teachable and approachable.

For me as a husband, father and leader of a growing ministry, accountability has not been an option. It has been a crucial ingredient in my Christian growth.

Some people challenge me on this subject, saying that becoming accountable to one another would be like playing policeman. But the opposite is true. And I'd like to explain why during the next few devotions.

Prayer:

For humility and vulnerability, and that your life will be an open book before the Lord, before your family and before some selected Christians who you trust.

Discuss: Do you find the concept of being accountable to another person uncomfortable? Why?