Accountability, when it’s external, can lead to religiosity
rather than life.
Most of us have been there:
- Adhering to the rules of our church community in order to be accepted or acceptable.
- Being diligent to do our part (and making sure others notice) as we work at the plan that the pastor/leaders are implementing for growth or outreach or discipleship.
- Holding our self accountable to a religious, Christian lifestyle (doing the right things) but missing the passionate, inner relationship with the living God.
These externals have a clear measurement system along with an accountability structure to let us (and others) know how we are doing. And we normally end up feeling oppressed by the whole thing by the time all is said and done.
But have we thrown out the baby with the bathwater by ignoring the power of relational accountability that seems to be at the heart of the New Testament follower’s life? (As one example note the father son spiritual relationships in 1 Cor. 4:14-16).
We want to be passionate followers of Jesus, hearing and following his voice and living joyfully with him every day. Do we have a spiritual-director-type in our life who comes alongside us to keep us pointed that way?
We want to live an organic, 24/7 lifestyle, that brings the Kingdom to earth through us and results in people’s lives transformed. Do we have a coach-type in our life who keeps us focused on God’s daily purposes through us?
We want to learn more about specific types of ministry or spiritual gifts that we feel drawn to. Are we simply reading books, or are we connecting personally with others who are headed the way we want to head so that we can learn how to walk in their steps?
In today’s world where information and knowledge is so freely available, are we missing out on the relational components designed by the Spirit to help us walk faithfully with Jesus while we also help others do the same?
Organic, relational accountability. A needed, positive component in our lives?
