"I didn't mean it!", goes our famous response to our failures and mistakes. It is probably safe to say that no Christian in his right mind would intentionally slip up. With knowing our human nature and the incessant prowling of Satan, falling away becomes a possible reality. We should continue to be aware of this, even in the times we are fired up for Christ. "So, if you think you are standing firm, be careful that you don't fall!" (1 Cor. 10: 12). The fact is, most of our failures ( moral, spiritual, relational, financial) seem to come in from our blind side. They surprise us because we felt we could handle our business ourselves, without help.One way to buffer these valuable areas is to be accountable to someone else. Sure, we all will stand before God someday and give an account for our actions; and just our close relationship with Jesus as we walk on this Earth should be the ideal motivator for us staying on track. But we can maximize the reality of the presence of Jesus in all areas of our life by helping each other be accountable for our decisions and actions. It entails a process of exposing our personal issues and subjecting them to be under the scrutiny of Godly principles. It will also give us a deeper knowledge of God, to the point where we know He is involved in even the small things. Accountability may be the missing link that we have needed to overcome issues we struggle with that interfere with the awesome fellowship God intends for us.It is recommended that an accountability group be limited to just two people. This will allow each member ample freedom to speak on personal issues, and each to challenge the other in specific ways to achieve victory on a daily basis. "Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their work: If one falls down, his friend can help him up. But pity the man who falls and has no one to help him up!" (Ecc. 4: 9-10) This is why we need accountablility. "As iron sharpens iron, so one man sharpens another." (Prov. 27: 17) This is our goal as we claim Christ's supremacy over these major aspects of our lives. It is also recommended that accountability partners should meet regularly, preferably weekly. These meetings are about being more Christlike and should not be considered counseling sessions, but are conducted with genuine compassion as close friends. Christlike friends want each other to be successful.We should be faithful and patient in praying for a wise friend to be accountable to. Men are encouraged to meet with men, and women to meet with other women, but accountability groups should steer clear of crossing sexes outside of marriage. In the bounds of marriage, spouses can be some of the most effective accountability partners because they usually know each other well and know what each one believes in. With a relationship of this nature we can better reach our full potential of becoming more Christlike and actually be more successful morally, spiritually, relationally, and financially. To God be the glory.Next week: Conclusion: How Can a Man Change?
