Our next phase of Relational Gradus will move to accountability.
First, a little history on where I've been. Many years ago, I was taught the definition of accountability meant that I had to confess my sin to my "friend" and then after coming clean, he would check up on me to see how I was doing. The questions asked went something like this: "Did you sin in (fill-in-the-blank) area of your life this week?" Another instance was: "What life dominating sins have brought us to this point?" I don't know about you, but this kind of interrogation from another (frail, sin-inclined, fallen, etc.) human is a little disconcerting to me. Please don't misunderstand me, I don't think it's wrong to confess your sin to another person as we're instructed to do so in the Bible (James 5:16 NLT). However, when that other person "lords" it over you and treats you as if you are the "sinner" and they are the "holy person", then there is a problem.
A healthy relationship is when people mutually respect each other, are caring about each other, and will share their own struggles, sin, virtues, and victories. All of this is a normal part of healthy growth in the Lord. Back to the scripture in James … what I find VERY interesting is that is not only directs us to confess our sin, but it also directs us to pray for each other (versus preying upon each other). Finally, it talks about the prayer of a "righteous person" having great power and producing wonderful results. Now, my own personal opinion of "who" that righteous person is defined as the individual who stands in, and relies upon, the righteousness of God we have in Christ (Romans 3:22 NIV). It is this prayer that works the healing and restoration (see the Amplified version of James 5:16 for an expanded view of all of this).
On the topic of accountability, there is a synonym that can be used as well: "responsibility". I've found that an older definition of responsibility from 1836 is more in line with where we're heading and goes like this: "morally accountable for one's actions". In addition, we can consider the adjective form of accountable, "liable to account for one's actions". So, we can rephrase it like this: "accepting responsibility for your actions and the resulting consequences, both short and long term". We live in a society in which people often shirk their personal responsibility. This demonstrates a continued weakening of our moral fabric, which will result in a complete breakdown.
So, when we take personal responsibility for our actions and the results of those actions, then we are being accountable. That accountability emanates to everybody, including the Lord, as we live a life that honors Him in all we do. At the same time, we'll find people are less reticent to share their own failures, faults, and sins. In a nutshell: Being accountable opens me up and exposes me to another. It doesn't allow me to force another to expose him/herself to me.
Homework assignment for Monday, April 20th
Consider the following and come prepared to discuss:
- What definitions do you find on "accountability" and/or "responsibility"?
- When do you observe YOURSELF being accountable/responsible or not?
- Come prepared to share your observations (at least one for each of the above).
- Let me know if you have questions about this week's assignment.
We are rounding the corner on this part of our journey together. I count it my privilege to have you join me and help our growth in relationships. God bless you as we take the next few steps together toward the grand finale!
Blessings!
PS - You've asked for the next few dinner themes to be posted, here they are:
4/20/09 :: Chicken (baked, fried, etc.)
4/27/09 :: BBQ Picnic
5/4/09 :: Comfort Food (meat & potatoes)
5/11/09 :: Breakfast
If you haven't signed up for a main dish, please bring a salad or dessert to share. See ya!!
