Solid Relationships
If believers must someday give an account to God, then enlisting other believers for prayer support and encouragement in the here and now makes good sense.
Mark O. Hatfield

Topics:	Accountability, Christian life, Community, Fellowship, Prayer, Relationships
Filters:	Deacon, Discipleship, Elder, Pastor, Small group leader, Small groups
Purpose:	Fellowship
References:	Hebrews 4:12-13, James 5:19-20
Date Added:	July 30, 2007

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For the word of God is living and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow, it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart. Nothing in all creation is hidden from God's sight. Everything is uncovered and laid bare before the eyes of him to whom we must give account. …

My brothers, if one of you should wander from the truth and someone should bring him back, remember this: Whoever turns a sinner from the error of his way will save him from death and cover over a multitude of sins.

Character Check
Whom could I invite into an accountability relationship?

In Business Terms
Christian leaders are often perceived as the ultimate model of spirituality. In the church, parishioners expect to see someone in the pulpit who has it all together. He or she is supposed to be the living example of Christ-likeness. In political and business life, one is not necessarily expected to be perfect, but he or she is often expected to know all the answers.

We have to accept those expectations and do our best to live with them, but we need to pray that we do not begin to believe what people say of us. I've found a good stabilizing measure is to form relationships of accountability. My wife and I belong to a group that includes four other couples in Washington. We get together once a month. It's a ministry of support but also a ministry of accountability.

—Mark O. Hatfield

Something to Think About
You never find yourself until you face the truth.
– Pearl Bailey

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