Watch the video by Steve McVey called Christian Religion Lie #76 “You Need An Accountability Partner” and my comments follow…
Ahh, this one is funny. Cause I heard it all the time growing. It’s pitched as a way to “always make sure you’re doing the “right thing”".
Basically the idea is that you need someone to meet with once a week or so to tell all your darkest secrets to. The idea is if you have someone like this in your life, who you know you have to tell the truth to then you’ll be so embarrassed when confessing your sins to him each week–that it will keep you from sinning.
Basically a way to…
Shame you into being good!
It’s very legalistic thinking. Here’s why:
It’s designed to keep you feeling like there’s “always someone watching” you… standing over your shoulder… always ready to say “HEY! You’re gonna pay for that!”
But here’s the problem with this:
- That’s a sucky way to live. You feel in bondage, and just not happy and…
- It turns you into a bigger liar! Most people can’t be honest with a person who you know is going to disprove of what you did–so you end up lying more!
And even when you’re not straight out lying –you’re telling “little white lies” to make what you did sound “just a little more good”.
Christian Friends are good, yes…
That’s not to say you don’t want or need good Christian friends, people who encourage you to continue being your best, opening to God, opening to Christ’s love through your life each day and surrendering to the Holy Spirit each day.
Christian friends who you can be honest with are great. And just be like, “Hey dude–yesterday I messed up…” or… “Pray for me man, I don’t know why but I keep giving in to my anger, my flesh…” or whatever you’re struggling with.
Or maybe it’s just to say “WOW! Let me tell you how amazing God has been lately…” (it doesn’t always have to be negative ya know!)
But you don’t need someone to look over your shoulder… keep you feeling shameful… so you’ll stay in line.
The truth is the Holy Spirit is the only accountability you need!
Why?
The Bible says in John 16:13 (NIV, emphasis mine):
“But when he, the Spirit of truth, comes, he will guide you into all truth. He will not speak on his own; he will speak only what he hears, and he will tell you what is yet to come…”
You don’t need anyone else to “guide” you in your Christian life. You just need the Holy Spirit. Which you already have because you’ve accepted Christ.
So it’s simply a matter of choosing not your independence each day, not your self to do the leading… but choosing the Holy Spirit. Choosing to allow Christ to express Himself through you each and every day.
So it may sound good, but don’t believe this lie anymore that you need an “accountability partner” to “keep you on track” and “guide you”. You don’t need that.
Good Christian friends you can cut the bullsh*t and be honest with? Yes.
Accountability partner who’s job it is to shame you into being good? A way to become an even better liar because you’re never being honest with them? NO WAY!
Instead choose God. Choose to let the Holy Spirit express Himself through you each and every day. That’s the way to live a great Christian life.
With Love 
Caleb
{ 1 comment… read it below or add one }
Jessica 08.21.08 at 6:26 pm
So if a good Christian friend is someone that you can be honest with and tell things to, then is that considered an accountability partner? Same thing?