Accountability is the key!
Have you been struggling with consistency? Are you pushing hard to make things happen, only to see no progress after a certain point? There is once such key that will help you to overcome this challenge and that is accountability!
Let me share a personal story. Earlier this year, God gave me a vision to become fit and healthy. While my fitness journey has been rewarding, I often find myself struggling to keep up the pace. Despite having a clear goal in mind, I frequently lose sight of it and stray off track. I've been diligent in eating right, avoiding junk food, limiting my sugar intake, and working out regularly. However, I often felt I wasn't being entirely honest with myself. That foodie in me would lead me astray sometimes, and I wasn't making as much progress as I hoped. While I did lose a few kilograms and improved my mobility, I knew I could do better. That's when I realized what was missing: accountability. I was fighting this battle alone.
It just so happened that I connected with a well-known fitness trainer on Instagram and had the opportunity to catch up over a Zoom call. This conversation was a turning point for me. The trainer emphasized the crucial role of accountability in achieving any goal. He explained that although there is abundant information available online about fitness, people still struggle to get fit because they lack accountability. He and his team train around 25 people daily, and their primary contribution is holding their clients accountable. Each person in their program reports daily on their diet and workouts. The emphasis on accountability led to significant progress in their clients' fitness journeys.
This revelation made me understand how vital accountability is for progress, regardless of the goal. It's the difference between knowing what to do and doing it consistently.
Accountability, at its core, is about being responsible to someone for our actions, If you deep dive into the Bible it teaches accountability throughout with examples and teachings that underscore the importance of this principle. From the Old Testament to the New Testament, we see that God values accountability among His people.
The concept of accountability is introduced early in the Bible, particularly in Genesis 3, where we read about Adam and Eve's disobedience in the Garden of Eden. When God asks, "Where are you?" (Genesis 3:9, NIV), He is not simply inquiring about their physical location. Rather, He is calling them to account for their actions. This moment marks the first instance of human accountability, emphasizing that being answerable to God is a fundamental aspect of our relationship with Him. Through this narrative, we learn that accountability to God is inherent in our existence, underscoring the importance of moral responsibility and the consequences of our choices.
Moving forward to the book of Exodus, we encounter Moses, a prominent figure who exemplifies accountability. When Moses receives the Ten Commandments on Mount Sinai (Exodus 20), he takes on the significant responsibility of delivering these divine laws to the Israelites. However, his role goes beyond just conveying God's commandments. Moses also holds the people accountable to these laws, ensuring they understand and adhere to them.
Moses' leadership is a powerful example of how accountability functions within a community. By emphasizing the importance of following the Ten Commandments, he helps maintain order and harmony among the people. His actions demonstrate that accountability is not about punishment but about guiding others toward a path of righteousness and communal well-being.
Through Moses, we see that accountability is crucial for both spiritual obedience and the community's overall health. It involves taking responsibility for our actions, understanding the consequences, and striving to live in a way that honours the principles set forth by God. This story teaches us that accountability is a cornerstone of a functioning society and a deep, meaningful relationship with the divine.
In the New Testament, Jesus exemplifies perfect accountability to His Father, demonstrating an unwavering commitment to doing only what He sees the Father doing (John 5:19). This profound connection between Jesus and His Father underscores the essence of accountability in His mission. Jesus’ actions and teachings consistently reflect His obedience and alignment with God's will, illustrating the ideal accountability model for His followers.
Moreover, Jesus establishes a robust framework of accountability among His disciples. When He sends them out in pairs (Mark 6:7), He emphasizes the importance of mutual support and accountability in their ministry. This approach ensures that they can encourage and correct each other, providing a practical example of how accountability fosters spiritual growth and effective ministry
Can I just say that having accountability sets you on the right path no matter which area you are working into progress? Whether it is a journey in your spiritual life, being accountable to your man of God or your spiritual mentor regarding the progress you are making will help you grow spiritually and become more like Christ. As it says in Proverbs 27:17, "As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another." This verse highlights the mutual benefit of accountability: through honest, loving confrontation and encouragement, we refine each other
Accountability is a powerful biblical principle that enriches our spiritual lives and strengthens our communities. By embracing accountability, we align ourselves with God's will, foster deeper relationships, and grow in spiritual maturity. As church-going believers, let us commit to living accountable lives, encouraging one another, and walking faithfully in the light of God's truth.
Remember, accountability is not a burden but a blessing. It is the key to a vibrant, Christ-centered life. Let us hold firmly to this truth and make accountability a cornerstone of our faith journey. Send me a note at Jo@jogonsalves.com to share your learning from this article, Have a blessed day ahead!