Why Is Accountability Important?

With much temptation already in the world today, Satan is working overtime to create more. We must have a brother or sister we can count on when we are facing temptations that threaten our spiritual lives. King David was alone the evening he was tempted by Satan. You may have thought it was Bathsheba that tempted him, but the Bible tells us we fight a war not of flesh but of the spirit, “For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms” (Ephesians 6:12). David learned a costly lesson by allowing temptation to overcome him—God struck his son with sickness and allowed him to die.Knowing we are in a battle against the spiritual forces of darkness, we should want as much help as we can gather around us. In Ephesians, Paul goes on to tell us that we must be equipped with all the power that God supplies to fight this battle: “Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand” (Ephesians 6:13). Notice that Paul said “so that . . . you may be able to stand your ground.” He realized that even if we equip ourselves with everything God has to offer in defense of evil, we are still human and we may not always be able to resist Satan’s temptations. So what more can we do to stand against evil and temptation? We know without a doubt that temptation will come.Satan knows our weaknesses, and he knows when we are vulnerable. He knows when a married couple is squabbling and perhaps feeling that someone else might understand them better. He knows when a child has been punished by his parents and might be feeling spiteful. He knows when things aren’t going well at work and reminds us of that bar that is on the way home. Where do we find help if we have done all we can do to fight the battle? We want to do what’s right in the sight of God, yet we are weak humans. What do we do?Proverbs 27:17 says, “Iron sharpens iron; so a man sharpens his friend's countenance.” A friend’s countenance is a look or expression of encouragement or moral support. When is the last time you had a friend call you just to ask how you were doing? When is the last time you called a friend and asked her if she needed to talk? Encouragement and moral support from a friend are sometimes the missing ingredients in fighting the battle against Satan.The writer of Hebrews summed it up when he said, “Therefore, brothers, since we have confidence to enter the Most Holy Place by the blood of Jesus, by a new and living way opened for us through the curtain, that is, his body, and since we have a great priest over the house of God, let us draw near to God with a sincere heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled to cleanse us from a guilty conscience and having our bodies washed with pure water. Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for he who promised is faithful. And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds. Let us not give up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but let us encourage one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching. If we deliberately keep on sinning after we have received the knowledge of the truth, no sacrifice for sins is left,” (Hebrews 10:19-26).[1] Begin each day walking with your best friend and Lord, Jesus Christ;[2] With an open, loving heart that Jesus provides, draw near to friends (your accountability team);[3] Remember your confession of faith to the One who can change lives;[4] Encourage one another (your accountability team) in love, urging each other to love and to do good to others, as you continue to meet together (with your team or church family);[5] Satisfied that you have done everything possible to avoid sin and to help your brothers and sisters to remain strong in their faith, praise God for what He is doing in your life!