Ecclesiastes 4:9-12 Two are better than one, because they have a good reward for their toil. For if they fall, one will lift up his fellow. But woe to him who is alone when he falls and has not another to lift him up! Again, if two lie together, they keep warm, but how can one keep warm alone? And though a man might prevail against one who is alone, two will withstand him—a threefold cord is not quickly broken.

Accountability is vital. It’s one of those things that I didn’t always have and after having it, I have seen so much benefit in my life as a believer. Some are turned off about accountability because some misuse it. For some, accountability is a means to get into your business so that they can gossip. Many have been hurt by this type of thing and are turned off by the very thought of accountability. But don’t throw out a Biblical principle because of what you have experienced! Accountability helps guard us from foolish decisions and unwise choices. It also keeps us humble. The most spiritual person you run into will be corrected by their accountability, causing us to realize that at different times and in different ways, God shows His love to us in the form of discipline through a variety of people, so that nobody but Himself may get glory for ALWAYS being right.

Being involved in your local assembly’s accountability is important to your spiritual growth. Christian fellowship is hindered when you are in sin, so having accountability to help you avoid it, or to restore you after you get out of it, is vital to maintaining the quality of your fellowship. It helps you navigate the tough areas of life as a community and not as a lone ranger.

I’m blessed to have a few layers of accountability:

• As a youth teacher, I am accountable to the youth pastor for things in my life and for what I am teaching. We meet generally weekly although we see each other 2-3 times a week.
• As one of a small group of “Timothys” to the head pastor of the church, I meet weekly at my pastor’s house where all subjects are fair game as we learn about ministry, Scripture, and life.
• A formal small group. These are great! They provide a very relaxed environment to learn and grow. I am in a group with another pastor, his wife, and several other couples and individuals.

And with all of these layers of accountability with 3 different pastors, the most heart-challenging accountability, the most important and valued accountability that I have is the accountability that comes with my wife. There is no accountability like the one you have with your Christian spouse. She is closest to you, sees your faults and strengths like none other. Your strength’s and weaknesses affect her most.

Take hold of the opportunities of accountability. It’s healthy for you!

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Written by Tony Stone, a Christian Hip-Hop Producer and Rap Artist.  Feel free to check out his latest project “The Creation” on HolyCultureDownload.com.  For additional info on his ministry visit: www.tstonemusic.com