A saved (Romans 10:9-13) accountability partner is a key factor in walking the straight and narrow. Saved is a priority so that both your convictions are Holy Spirit inspired, not worldly (1 John 2:15-17). This is someone who loves you and will pray and speak the truth, not just stroke your ego. This is someone who values you so deeply they’re willing to risk you being upset because they spoke the truth in love, rather than see you go to a dark place. Now, the intent is not to get us upset but for our hearts to be pliable to receive the truth. We all know sometimes we don’t want to hear the truth and that only prolongs the healing.
Prayer and personal inventories
This is where we fall on our knees in prayer asking the Lord to search our hearts. To reveal any wicked ways in us (Psalm 139:23-24). This is also where we confess and repent (acknowledge the truth) those things the Lord lovingly revealed. Psalm 51 will take you through the acknowledging and the cleansing of sin. There will be some pain during this time of lamenting. Your accountability partner is a great source to utilize for encouragement to push through to receive healing from the Lord.
Prayer time with your accountability partner is priceless. Where you are weak they can stand-in for you asking the Lord for discernment and instruction. Asking the Lord to create in you a clean heart and renew a right spirit within you. Praying for your heart to be ready to receive His provisions. They encourage you to take personal inventories to see if your thoughts and actions are honorable according to the Bible. The more inventories the easier it is to confess our shortcomings and become less combative. Be mindful to pray and be a blessing for your accountability partners, it shouldn’t be a one-sided relationship.
God-fearing soldiers
Remember who your enemy is, it’s not the people sincerely coming alongside you making intercession for you. It’s not the people on the phone in the middle of the night because you’re crying and can’t sleep. You (we) are on a journey, surround yourself with God-fearing soldiers. Soldiers rooted and anchored in the teachings of Jesus Christ not only when it is convenient. The people you allow in your circle will either provoke you to seek the Lord or push you deeper into the pit of sin. I have never needed help in choosing to do wrong.
In conclusion
Your accountability partner is not your Ms. Fix It. They cannot heal your wounds and brokenness but they can provide comfort and support. Our opinions and certainly not the advice of the world are more powerful than the Creator’s. Every conversation must revolve around the Savior and what He is asking us to do. Remember the place of peace is not in our words but in the Word.
Amen! Another one well said!
To lift one another up, accountability partners are the best! True brothers and sisters in Christ! And they don’t always tell you what you “want” to hear! Like you said. But what you NEED to hear! Sometimes we need that push and “wake up” “get out of that rut” friend who won’t let us fall! But rather encourage and pray with one another sticking to Gods word and truth! You nailed it! That is exactly what it’s all about! Open, pure, humble accountability partners!! They have been personally been a few of my BEST friends! ?
Amen!
Well said and well lived!
Heidi, Truly thank you!
This is great teaching!!
I really love the aspect of knowing who your real enemy is. Far too often we get that part mixed up when we don’t agree with or get mixed up in our “loved ones” mess. Our shedding light on it makes them believe we are against them. I choose to stand on the side of truth no matter what.
Accountability in all aspects is HUGE for me!
Lisa, We often forget that we have an enemy and who our enemy is. It has to be about truth in all things. Thank you
It will be my prayer for God to show me who my REAL enemy is! Thanks again for shining light on this subject.