Accountability As H.E.L.P.

*From the message entitled “The Gift of Others” shared on 12/27/2020 at Christian Life Center South Bend.

I was so delighted to be asked to share in this message that basically gives credence to the fact that we were created with a need - not only for God - but also for one another. When we realize that we are gifts to one another we can grow in ways that we’d never thought possible because what I may lack you happen to carry in abundance, and where you may lack I happen to have an abundant supply. Along with my transcribed share, you can find the link to the entire message if you’d like to see - and hear - it. I hope this blesses you like it blessed me.

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What does it mean to be accountable, and how can we function in it - effectively and efficiently - in our lives?

The definition of accountability is “the quality or state of being accountable; an obligation or willingness to accept responsibility for one’s actions.” (Webster’s Dictionary)

In a culture where blaming others for our failures and only accepting credit for our successes, it seems that accountability is a subject that we absolutely need to dive more deeply into and lay hold of.

I found another definition that really brought this principle home for me, and I hope it does the same for you:

“Traditionally, accountability is the obligation to give a reckoning or explanation for one’s actions and responsibilities to a higher authority…. In the church setting accountability involves managing the resources God has entrusted us with, organizing for service and mission, and providing programs to carry out the church's mandate. The goal is to help people grow in Christ and learn to find Him as the source, force and course of life. Indeed, accountability is to the church, what tracks are to a train: without it, we flounder, lose focus, detract from moral purity, and fail to achieve true unity and cohesion.” (Osisioma, 2013)

I was asked to share about Accountability AND Help, but I’d like to present Accountability AS Help.

H.ealing & Hope

E.ncouragement & (positive) Expectation

L.ove & Leadership

(fresh) P.erspective & Peace

The Word of God in Proverbs 27:17 says “As iron sharpens iron, So one man sharpens [and influences] another [through discussion].” Let’s get sharp today. :)

H!

H.ealing & Hope

“Brothers, if anyone is caught in any sin, you who are spiritual [that is, you who are responsive to the guidance of the Spirit] are to restore such a person in a spirit of gentleness [not with a sense of superiority or self-righteousness], keeping a watchful eye on yourself, so that you are not tempted as well. Carry one another’s burdens and in this way you will fulfill the requirements of the law of Christ [that is, the law of Christian love].” Galatians 6:1-2 AMP

What I’ve come to know about my own moments of insufficiency that lead to sin is that there is typically a root that needs to be plucked out and healed. When we respond to one another in gentleness by the leading of Holy Spirit, we can become that healing salve for one another. And if I recognize that I am no better - that I can be overtaken by a fault as well - that HUMILITY makes it easier for me to carry my brother or sister’s burden; and, if I’m carrying it WITH you that burden will never be too heavy. In this way we are helping to keep each other accountable by bringing Healing & Hope… and this is a two-way street. Not only do I need to be willing to carry it with you, you also have to be willing to receive the relief that comes from sharing a load. That takes humility as well.

“Therefore, confess your sins to one another [your false steps, your offenses], and pray for one another, that you may be healed and restored. The heartfelt and persistent prayer of a righteous man (believer) can accomplish much [when put into action and made effective by God—it is dynamic and can have tremendous power].” James 5:16 AMP

E!

E. Encouragement & (positive) Expectation

1 Thessalonians 5 (the entire chapter) hit me in a brand new way as I sought the Lord regarding this subject of accountability, and, while I’m not going to read the entire chapter to you, it screams the necessity of accountability as we are encouraged to stay alert, be sober, and conduct our lives in a manner that is Christ-like. I believe it will minister to you should you decide to add that particular reading to your devotional time. There is a song that comes to mind, and it says, (singing) “I need you, you need me. We’re all a part of God’s body. Stand with me. Agree with me [the Matthew 18:20 kind of agreement… “For where two or three are gathered in My name [meeting together as My followers], I am there among them.”]... (so) (continue singing) Stand with me. Agree with me. We’re all a part of God’s body. It is His will that every need be supplied. You are important to me… I need you to survive.” You are important to me and the Kingdom of God… I need you to survive… I need you to be healthy and whole, I need you at peace and set free… so that our body functions optimally. Every piece of this body matters. YOU matter. That is encouragement! And the positive expectation comes in with this, “Now may the God of peace Himself sanctify you through and through [that is, separate you from profane and vulgar things, make you pure and whole and undamaged—consecrated to Him—set apart for His purpose]; and may your spirit and soul and body be kept complete and [be found] blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. Faithful and absolutely trustworthy is He who is calling you [to Himself for your salvation], and He will do it [He will fulfill His call by making you holy, guarding you, watching over you, and protecting you as His own].”

1 Thessalonians‬ ‭5:23-24‬ ‭AMP‬‬

L!

L.ove & Leadership

I feel that these two are the undergirding or foundation of what I’m speaking of. When we walk in love, the leadership is inevitable... but here’s a combined quote for you: “Leadership is the ability to guide others without force into a direction or decision that leaves them still feeling empowered and accomplished”... because... “Love is where leadership begins”.

P!

(fresh) P.erspective & Peace

This is one of my favorite passages of scripture… Ecclesiastes 4:9-12. Pastors Doug & Shanna had a session with my husband and I the day before our wedding in 2017 and shared the importance of us having a scripture foundation for our union - our why - to look back upon if and when things could become... “heavy” - that’s the safest way I can say that. :) But, what I’ve learned about this scripture is that it's a principle that works in relationship period… This can be for husband and wife, brother and sister, or even between friends. “Two are better than one because they have a more satisfying return for their labor; for if either of them falls, the one will lift up his companion. But woe to him who is alone when he falls and does not have another to lift him up. Again, if two lie down together, then they keep warm; but how can one be warm alone? And though one can overpower him who is alone, two can resist him. A cord of three strands is not quickly broken.” We weren’t meant to do life alone, and when we function in this way - with two rather than one - we are able to defeat the enemy. We’re stronger, we can see and hear better (two eyes, two ears right?)... TWO ARE BETTER THAN ONE, WE ARE BETTER TOGETHER. Together we can gain fresh perspective, ultimately bringing us peace because we know that we don’t have to walk through anything in this life alone. We are better when we hold one another accountable by H.E.L.P.ing. each other. What is H.E.L.P. again?

H! Healing & Hope

E! Encouragement & (positive) Expectation

L! Love & Leadership

P! (fresh) Perspective & Peace

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References

The Word of God

Webster’s Online Dictionary

“Accountability In the Church” by Benjamin Chuka Osisioma, August 2013. https://www.researchgate.net/publication/282090580_ACCOUNTABILITY_IN_THE_CHURCH

CLCSB | The Gift of Others | Pastors Doug & Shanna Neal - 12.27.2020

https://youtu.be/kZ57dFGQzJs