Iron sharpens iron, and one man sharpens another
[Proverbs 27:17 ESV]
Accountability is a personal decision to allow “the right” people (spiritual leaders, shepherds, or even believers) into your life, so you will be answerable to them. These are people who can rebuke you and give you counsel. Being accountable to the right people is critical, because
from whence you source knowledge determines the wisdom or foolishness you depart with. Accountability requires a level of vulnerability on a part and proficiency in the knowledge of God on the other for efficacy. If until now you believed you are the worst person on earth because of your sins or even for a second, thought your sin is exclusive, the devil has lied to you for a long time and probably still is.
Therefore let anyone who thinks he stands [who feels sure that he has a steadfast mind and is standing firm], take heed lest he fall [into sin].
[1 Corinthians 10:12 AMPC]
My decisions led me into having phone sex with my boyfriend when I was meant to lead him to Christ. I did not even know I was masturbating, as I classified it under phone sex all the time until I was told during an accountability session. That sin prevented me from even picking up my Bible because I felt unworthy, yet I kept going back to it.
The shepherd I was being accountable to, told me, “Sin does not mean you are no longer right with God, so you should run away in despair. Rather, it reveals your weakness and shows your need to draw more towards God and to be more intimate with Him.”
I was privileged to flee from the enemy’s captivity of my thoughts because I was accountable and knew I was still worthy because Christ says so. And most importantly, I could change my ways, it was not too late for me. Two lessons learnt; firstly, one must be an iron to sharpen another iron, and secondly, never put man before God. [Testimony]
Accountability begins with the recognition of the conviction to change from a path leading to destruction to one of construction in Christ Jesus. As this is meant to make you learn and grow, you must learn from the one who is learning to grow. To allow significant people to look closely into your life, it is pertinent to be like a child, ready to make your weaknesses known, ready to be counselled and ready to change your ways knowing what is at stake. This is a depiction of true fellowship, where you have genuine listeners who are interested in your well–being.
We have been saved by sheer grace and through Christ, we have attained salvation. Due to this, we are a bundle of testimonies ready to be unravelled for His glory to be known by the ones who have long been in captivity due to the burdens they carry. Because grace has been given to us, and we have believed and have received it, we are who we are in Christ today. You can be the iron to sharpen another iron today. As a body of Christ, we have been tasked to avail ourselves both as listeners and aiders to our fellow believers.
Brothers, if anyone is caught in any transgression, you who are spiritual should restore him in a spirit of gentleness. Keep watch on yourself, lest you too be tempted. Bear one another’s burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ.
[Galatians 6:1–2]
Father, I pray for the spirit of humility to make weaknesses known to the right people, lest I deceive myself and sink in sin. Help me to appreciate accountability that I shall, in turn, help someone when I am called to. In Jesus’ name. Amen
Further Reading: 1 Thessalonians 5:11 & James 5:16
Bible In One Year: John [8–11]
