ACCOUNTABILITY

ACCOUNTABILITY (by R.J. Evans)
There are a number of passages in the Bible that teach accountability to each other as God’s children. Long ago, Cain asked God, “Am I my brother’s keeper?” (Gen. 4:9) And the answer is, yes, in many respects we are. For instance, when a brother or sister in Christ falls back into sin, the Scripture teaches, “Brethren, if a man is overtaken in any trespass, you who are spiritual restore such a one in a spirit of gentleness, considering yourself lest you also be tempted. Bear one another’s burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ” (Gal. 6:1-2). Here are a few more examples: “As iron sharpens iron, So a man sharpens the countenance of his friend” (Prov. 27:17). “And let us consider one another in order to stir up love and good works” (Heb. 10:24). “Confess your trespasses to one another, and pray for one another, that you may be healed” (Jas. 5:16).
Elders have been given the responsibility to “watch out for your souls, as those who must give account” (Heb. 13:17). The congregation has been given the responsibility to “Obey those who rule over you, and be submissive” (Heb. 13:17). Thus, each member of a local congregation has a certain amount of accountability toward the elders in their walk with God as Christians. The elders have the right to help solve or correct any problem that might exist among those for whom they “must give account” before God. If the members refuse to respond or cooperate with the elder’s efforts to assist them, they are hurting themselves.
In considering one’s accountability to the elders, it must be realized that elders have the right to ask questions. In giving consideration to the matter of accountability, here are some questions the elders might want to ask:
What have you learned this week from God’s Word? What happened this week that put you to the test? How did you respond? How are you doing in your relationship with God? (Specifically-your time with the Word, prayer, attendance at all the services of the church, your sense of dependence on the Lord, etc.) How are you doing in your relationship with your brothers and sisters in Christ? How are you doing in your relationship with your wife/husband? How are you doing in your relationship with your children? How are you doing in your relationships with people at work or school? How can we pray specifically for you this week? How can others pray specifically for you this week? Is there anything else we can do to assist you? What can we do to help you become more consistent in your attendance at worship and Bible classes? What are the biggest barriers in your relationship with God? What are the most serious temptations you face at home? At work? Elsewhere? How can your brothers and sisters help you and pray for you?
Elders must be willing to reach out to the flock; the flock must be willing to respond to the leadership of the shepherds. (1 Thes. 5:12-13) It is a “two-way street”. When someone tends to draw back, that might very well be the time when they need the elders the most. Thus, elders must reach out even when, (or, especially when) they sense someone is drawing back. We are to be like those of whom the Hebrew writer referred in Hebrews 10:39: “But we are not of those who draw back to perdition, but of those who believe to the saving of the soul.”
In a sense, may we all reach out to one another. To experience true accountability, we have both the right and the responsibility to do what we can for each other that, ultimately, we might all reach our home in Heaven. Let’s do all we can to help one another in our walk with God.

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