Accountability + Growth Partners
Why is accountability important in the Christian life?
Accountability in Christian relationships is important because it removes the element of isolation from each Christian's walk. Scripture says that we are best suited to walk out our days with a companion and that having two companions is even safer. Our primary accountability is to Christ.
In Mark 6:6–7, we see Jesus sending disciples out in pairs. Hebrews 10:24–25 encourages believers "… consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another…" Ecclesiastes 4:9–12 says, "Two are better than one, because they have a good reward for their toil. For if they fall, one will lift up his fellow. But woe to him who is alone when he falls and has not another to lift him up! Again, if two lie together, they keep warm, but how can one keep warm alone? And though a man might prevail against one who is alone, two will withstand him—a threefold cord is not quickly broken." Although this passage of Ecclesiastes speaks of physical warmth, strength, and assistance when falling down, it can be applied to the need for spiritual encouragement, strength, and help as well. If a friend is seen falling into temptation or sin, Christians are exhorted to correct their brother or sister and help restore them (Galatians 6:1–2). Similarly, even when a particular sin is not an issue, Christians can encourage one another to continue walking strong in faith.
Being accountable to others can help us stand strong in spiritual warfare (Ephesians 6:12). When we confess our sins to one another, we can remind each other of God's faithfulness to forgive (1 John 1:9). Rather than hide in the darkness and shame of our own struggles, being accountable to other believers helps expose us to the light and to life-giving truth. Other Christians can pray for us (James 5:16) and support us in our walk with Christ.
Christians who attempt to walk with God entirely on their own and who do not want to be accountable to a Christian brother or sister for their words or actions, are not walking the Christian walk. Though it is true that we are ultimately accountable to God, it is also true that in Christ we are part of a family and a body (1 Corinthians 12). There is no such thing as a solo Christian. We know that challenges will come in our lives (John 16:33); having accountability with other Christians helps us to press ahead and to continue to live for Christ. An accountability partner can pray with and for us, teach us, rebuke us, rejoice with us, weep with us, and encourage us. We can do the same for others by being mutually accountable.
What makes for a good growth partner?
The Bible doesn't talk about "growth partners" specifically but does offer guidance about what to look for in another Christian who will enter into a strong, honest, vulnerable relationship with you to make you both closer followers of Jesus. An ideal accountability partner is a person who does just that.
When seeking a growth partner, look for someone leading an increasingly righteous life due to their relationship with Jesus (2 Corinthians 6:14). Look for someone who prays and who is willing to confess their sins (James 5:16).
A growth partner should be growing in their knowledge and understanding of the Word of God (John 17:17; 2 Timothy 2:15; 3:17). And so should you.
Look for someone who is exhibiting more and more of the fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22–23) and who understands and practices forgiveness (Colossians 3:13; Ephesians 4:32).
A growth partner should be someone who is trustworthy (Proverbs 11:13)—someone who will not break your confidence. Look for someone who is willing to be honest with you and desires you to be honest with them (Proverbs 27:6; Ephesians 4:15).
When establishing a growth partner relationship, look for someone of the same gender as you. You will grow into an increasingly close and vulnerable relationship, and having a growth partner of another gender will naturally cause you to close off parts of your life to them.
You are not looking for a perfect Christian person, though the above may indicate such. What you are looking for is someone who is serious about their own walk with Christ and who will spur you on in the Christian life. A growth partner is someone whom you can encourage in the Christian life as well (Proverbs 27:17; Galatians 6:2–6; Hebrews 10:24–25). Growth partners help us draw closer to God. They encourage us to resist sin, remind us of God's truths, pray for us, and walk alongside us as we both grow in faith.
Source: https://www.compellingtruth.org/accountability-partner.html
The Lovely Crux community creates opportunities for meaningful connections between women.
It offers the opportunity for you to connect deeply with other women on the same path as you. A key part of this community is sharing how God is growing us, so please repond in the comments and open up opportunities for meaningful conversation. These conversations can become sources of accountability, prayer, and encouragement for you.
If you wish to get all the goodness out of spiritual mentoring, I strongly encourage you to invite another woman or two to walk out your growth together.
If you haven’t joined us yet, please do so you can continue receiving these weekly mentoring posts and join in the TLC community conversation. Hope to see you there.
Related Truth: