ACCOUNTABILITY IS SCRIPTURAL
Is any among you afflicted? Let him pray. Is any merry? Let him sing psalms. 14). Is any sick among you? let him call for the elders of the church: and let them pray over him, with oil in the name of the Lord: 15). And the prayer of faith shall save the sick and the Lord shall raise him up: and if he have committed sins, they shall be forgiven him. 16). Confess your faults, one to another, and pray for one another, that ye may be healed. The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much.
JAMES 5:13-16
There are plenty of biblical directives about making ourselves accountable to one another. But for many, the idea of revealing personal information seems restrictive or even an invasion of privacy. Such confession seems a hindrance to the pursuit of pleasure, prosperity, and prestige. Most people prefer to keep to themselves and not involve others in their business.
The Bible, however, makes it clear that Christians are to support each other in this regard: “Confess your faults to one another, and pray for one another, so that you may be healed” (James 5:16).
Accountability in the body of Christ is a biblical principle. Church members take direction from their pastor (See Hebrews 13:17). Paul says “Submitting yourselves one to another in the fear of God”-Ephesians 5:21. Yet he was answerable to the church, just as Timothy was subordinate to him. The apostles were certainly under the authority of Jesus, even as Jesus was subject to the Father. Of course, the Bible tells us that the whole church is obedient to the Lord Jesus Christ, “Therefore as the church is subject unto Christ…”(Ephesians 5:24a). Regardless of one’s position, everybody is accountable to somebody. And this holds true for the entire family of faith–from the congregation to the ministers to Jesus Himself, who served God the Father!
People avoid accountability for various reasons, including pride, ignorance, fear, and self-reliance. This is a dangerous approach to life. Our Enemy knows our weaknesses and how to exploit them. But we can prevail with the support of friends. There is strength in the body of Christ.
-IBC
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