“My relationship with God is personal.” This commonly expressed phrase is just a polite manner of telling someone to mind their own business. We often fall into this mode of thinking when we aren’t ready to face our faults and accountability appears to be shameful.

God designed us to do life together; in community. We have been directed in the 27^th chapter of Proverbs verse 17, “As iron sharpens iron, so one man sharpens another.” Living interdependently with others strengthens our faith and our relationships; it betters us. These relationships provide us the resilience to continue our walk when we stumble. Bonds are developed that allow for loving correction in our weakest times.

Relational accountability was modeled by Paul in 1 Thessalonians 4:1-6. “Finally, brothers, we instructed you how to live in order to please God, as in fact you are living. Now we ask you and urge you in the Lord Jesus to do this more and more. For you know what instructions we gave you by the authority of the Lord Jesus. It is God’s will that you should be sanctified: that you should avoid sexual immorality; that each of you should learn to control his own body in a way that is holy and honorable, not in passionate lust like the heathen, who do not know God; and that in this matter no one should wrong his brother or take advantage of him. The Lord will punish men for all such sins, as we have already told and warned you”

Here Paul is saying “I affirm you, but I am not letting you stay comfortable”; “I urge you to holiness.” Paul calls it likes he sees it and this came on the heels of a report of praise. He lays claim that he has the authority to hold his brothers accountable through their relationship in Jesus.

Accountability is not an opportunity to reign over another in your life but a chance to experience true relationship, as God intended. My walk has improved, knowing that my brother is to ensure that it is authentic. It has ensured that I stay true to all that God has called me to. I am so fortunate for those that hold me accountable and hope all can have the gift of accountability.