Day 21 – Accountability

James 5:16 “Therefore 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”

Accountability is our willingness to accept responsibility or to account for our actions. What does the Bible say about accountability? Like the sun shines over everyone, so will biblical accountability be on judgment day. In Romans 14:12, we read that each of us will give an account to God Himself. It is not accountability if there is no account. In Hebrews 4:13, we read that all things are naked and exposed to the eyes of God. Matthew 12:36 says, “Every idle word that men shall speak, they shall give account thereof in the day of judgment.”

Being accountable reflects aspects of the image of God that were imprinted on our beings by our Creator, our Father. Biblical accountability involves giving an account according to the clear standards of God’s Word within the context of a personal relationship. In practice, it is a process through which believers confront one another, in love and truth, about areas of disobedience in their lives with the goal of repentance and restoration. Christian accountability partners help us overcome temptation and grow in our relationship with God. Every Christian should consider having an accountability partner to become more reliant and obedient to God’s Word.

Prayer: Father, thank you for calling me to live a life that is pleasing to You. Forgive us for our sinful nature and help us to live a life that glorifies You. Thank you for the standard You set out in Your word to guide us to be righteous. I pray for an accountability partner who can help us be accountable and loves You as we do. Jesus, please send the right person to be my accountability partner. Holy Spirit, I pray that You teach me to confess my shortcomings. I am more with you than without you. Amen.

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