I believe if there is anything that can ensure and incorporate character, godly character in your life and in mine, it is through accountability. You don't have to go long before you learn of some Christian pastor, singer, evangelist or ministry leader who has lost his or her ministry, usually because of adultery. And because of my position I hear many more stories that never made it into the media.
I once sat down and wrote a list of characteristics of people who have fallen to temptation. Over and over, this is how other people described them:
- A loose spirit with few boundaries;
- Rationalizes and justifies behavior;
- Detached, reclusive, insulated from people;
- Makes decisions without consulting others;
- A lack of authenticity and realness about his or her life;
- Defensive, proud, unwilling to admit mistakes and failure;
- Hides major areas of life from others;
- Intimidating, unapproachable, secretive.
It's amazing to see how these descriptions pop up again and again. They are isolated, keeping people at arm's length, and not willing to submit themselves to the scrutiny of others.
When you are isolated, you are much more susceptible to temptation. Years ago I attended a Christian writers' conference in Minneapolis. I was walking down the stairwell in the hotel when I looked down and saw a pornographic magazine lying there. I walked on, but later in the day I saw it in the same spot.
Here I was, alone in Minneapolis. I could pick up that magazine, carry it a few feet to my door and read it in the privacy of my room, and nobody would ever know.
Fortunately, I made the correct decision and left the magazine alone. But I could understand the power of temptation to a person who is alone. Isolation is one of the most powerful weapons the enemy uses to trap Christians.
Prayer: That you would have the strength and wisdom to avoid situations where you are isolated from others.
Discuss: In what situations do you find yourself most open to temptation?
7 comments:
There are so many things that we need to be held accountable for. As always, the eyes are up there on the list, but we can not forget about prayer, daily word, our tongue, money, service, missions and the list goes on and on. The goal with accountability is to continuously be striving for full devotion.
Blessings
cas
This list is interesting and convicting. I am tempted to pull away when I dont want to deal with my failure from a sin standpoint (defense) or when I cant say that I've been used by God (offense). Accountability is often associated with our vices and weaknesses from what we should stay away from. I do need that aspect but it also is for making sure that I am being a good steward of my faith in sharing the truth of the extent of Gods love for his kids.
Christ picked 12 disciples. He sent out the disciples in two's to spread the news of the coming kingdom. At times, I wish I could live the Christian walk on my own. It would be less complicated and messy and I could watch more sports. Alas, I cant. That's my new word, Alas.
I need to have someone guard my "6" and I need to guard someone elses '6' at the very least. It's more than about me its about the Body, the Church, and about the Message.
I forget it to often. Help me remember.
the list is interesting but i would go further - meaning, i think even those who dont fall under any of these categories still can and do fall - sin/temptation can be so powerful. even the best of us falls and is not immune to it.
Guys, I am acutely interested in getting this accountability thing down. I pray that we understand this issue a lot better through these excerpts.
TRD, I agree its not a comprehensive list...
Gsiano, loved reading you write that down.
i agree with all of. i especially agree wih trd and i suspect it would not take us long to make a list off the page on characteristics of the unaccountable. these are the grossly obvious ones, what about all the little ones that are not so prominent. anyway, bottom line is to surround yourself with brothers who will alert you before the window breaks. personally, i want to go to the extreme on the other side and have early waring systems and be proactive to not even begin to stress teh window.
i agree with trm, i would to see you as a daily fixture again g-money
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