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Article: Accountability Questions |
I was chatting with my wife the other day about the fact that while technology appears to be bringing people closer, it still appears as if society is defragmenting and people are becoming more and more isolated. The conversation didn't get much further than that, because my internet connection dropped out so instant messenger wouldn't work anymore. She suggested that because we were sitting next to each other on the lounge that perhaps we could just talk. I couldn't really understand what she was getting at, because she wasn't punctuating her speech with emoticons.
My point is this - as technology increases, we need to be careful that we don't let it replace meaningful relationships that build Godliness. Men find this hard enough as it is, and technology is often a convenient excuse. As Christians, we need to push back against this trend, and work at building relationships that will sharpen and shape us into men like Christ.
While we're not going to share everything with everyone, it's important that we have someone we're accountable to. Someone who will ask us hard questions, listen to the answers we give and keep us accountable to the focus of our lives - Christ. We need to get past the guilt associated with asking these questions of each other, and acknowledge that because we all struggle with them to some degree or another, we all need to support each other (without condemnation) as we seek to deal with them in a Godly way.
The other day, I came across these seven questions by Chuck Swindoll the other day that I think are incredibly helpful for men. They look like this:
- 1. Have I been with a woman in the past week that could be viewed as compromising?
- 2. Have all my financial dealings been filled with integrity?
- 3. Have I viewed or read sexually explicit material?
- 4. Have I achieved goals I set in Bible study and prayer?
- 5. Have I spent quantity and quality time with, and given priority to my family?
- 6. Have I fulfilled the mandates of my calling (my vocation)?
- 7. Have I just lied to you?
It might seem repetitive to ask and answer these questions weekly or fortnightly - but what man doesn't struggle with lust, materialism, bible reading, prayer and time-management on a daily basis?
Who are you accountable to? Who are you supporting by holding them accountable?
We are part of the body of Christ. So if you're not already, organise at least one other man who will ask you these questions for your good. And more than that, commit yourself to answering them honestly.
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