A few years ago, getting an accountability partner was a popular thing. This was a person to whom you could tell almost anything. If you were doing something wrong, you could tell your partner and feel better about yourself because you got it off your chest. The trouble with that is there was no bad consequence for your bad behavior. You could tell him or her that you were looking at pornography and claim that it is not affecting your marriage and the episode would end there. There was little, if anything, beyond admitting to this sin. Holding someone accountable did not really happen. Thus, the behavior likely will continue. Being accountable for sins includes facing the consequences. Imagine if this man’s accountability partner was his wife. Undoubtedly, there would be some undesirable consequences.
We need to remember that we all are accountable to God and He will add consequences for our bad behavior, but he will forgive us, also. We should strive to keep God’s word in our behavior. Personal responsibility can be a connection to God’s word.

Still, having an accountability partner can be a good thing. We can employ an accountability partner for many things. This includes following through on promises, being honest at work and home, and spending money responsibly.

If we ask The Lord to show us what we need to improve, and behaviors for which we need to change to be accountable, He will show us. He may use others to show us our vulnerabilities. We need to be honest with ourselves and to evaluate ourselves honestly. Lying to ourselves and others will not produce a change and if nothing changes, nothing changes.

We can use accountability partners to help with our weakness or sin (James 5:16). If we have habitual sins like viewing porn, being greedy, lying or gossiping, and not having compassion when others sin or are suffering, we may need help in following God’s word.

Some things get in the way of being accountable. These include denial and lies. We must admit it when we sin. If we don’t or make an excuse, there is no accountability. Other things that get in the way of being accountable are blaming others and our pride (Gen 3:11-13 and Rom 12:16).

With all this in mind, it is humility that is necessary to be accountable for our mistakes. When we come to our partner with confession, we put ourselves in a vulnerable position. We must have the courage to do so. Our partner should be accepting and encouraging. This is a type of emotional intimacy (the topic of the next blog). The acceptance and encouragement of our partner should not imply that things are OK or become an excuse for sinful behavior.

Accountability in a group of Christians can result in spiritual growth and trust because we grow when we do the right things and follow God’s word.