TODAY’S SIGNATURE VERSE ••• So then each of us will give an account of himself to God. (Romans 14:12 ESV)
PRAISE & PRAYER PROMPT ••• I’ve spent a lot of time over the last few weeks designing a PowerPoint for a manager’s retreat that starts today. The theme is AMPED: Accountability, Motivation, Performance, Empowerment, and Development.
Since this word is etched on my brain right now, let’s talk about the Accountability… Specifically, accountability as Christians. Romans 14:12 says, “So then each of us will give an account of himself to God.”
If that verse isn’t enough to get your attention, let’s take it back a couple more. Paul wrote, “For we will all stand before the judgment seat of God; for it is written, ‘As I live, says the Lord, every knee shall bow to me, and every tongue shall confess to God.’ So then each of us will give an account of himself to God” (Romans 14:10b-12).
With that knowledge, we owe it to one another to be accountable to one another. We shouldn’t think of it as judgment. (Though in fairness, there’s a fine line there… we have to be on guard to make sure we don’t come across as judgmental.) Instead, Christian accountability is about looking out for one another. Encouraging one another. Believing that our fellow-Christians have great potential and wanting to see them be Christ-like examples to others. It’s about recognizing the seriousness of God’s Word that says we are a light to the world. We are a reflection of Jesus’ love, and as such, we should model Christ-like behavior.
How can we hold each other accountable as Christians? Some ideas include:
- Pray together and for each other.
- Study the Scripture.
- Commit to being accountability partners with those you are closest to.
And when we hold one another accountable as brothers- and sisters-in-Christ, we all win. Because we strengthen the bond of the church and collectively, we grow.
Today, as you pray, thank Jesus for being the model of Christian life. Ask the Holy Spirit to help you be more like Christ and be committed to being held accountable to Biblical standards. If you don’t have one, ask the Holy Spirit to send you a prayer partner and accountability friend that will encourage you in your faith and relationship with Jesus.
SHARING ••• Please feel free to comment or share this blog with others. Also, download a free Bible-In-A-Year Reading Plan when you subscribe to www.MyGraceFullLife.com! ***Unless noted otherwise, all Scripture references are from the ESV translation.
