ACCOUNTABILITY

There are no, “Lone Ranger,” Christians. Even the Lone Ranger had Tonto. We are all sinful, and salvation does not eradicate the possibility. It does give us the power to overcome temptation.  Sanctification is an ongoing work.  One of the best tools in God’s toolbox is a faithful friend.  We help sharpen one another with loving counsel and correction. Proverbs 27:5-6, 9, 17 speak to this. 

1. ACCOUNTABILITY CAN BE PAINFUL. “Open rebuke is better Than love carefully concealed. Faithful are the wounds of a friend, But the kisses of an enemy are deceitful.” (v.5-6). A surgeon doesn’t cut you open because he is sadistic. He does it to bring ultimate good,  though painful in the process. Truth spoken in love can have a corrective element.

2. ACCOUNTABILITY CAN BE PLEASURABLE.   “Ointment and perfume delight the heart, And the sweetness of a man’s friend gives delight by hearty counsel.” (v.9). While there is certainly the need for painful correction, accountability is more—it is pleasurable counsel. If your friend is always negative toward you, then he or she isn’t much of a friend. They become a foe!  The true friend will reinforce the positive as well as rebuke the negative. They do more than cut—they comfort.  We need more than diagnosis of our problems—though we need that.  We need a cure. 

3. ACCOUNTABILITY WILL BE PROFITABLE. “As iron sharpens iron, So a man sharpens the countenance of his friend.” (v.17). A dull ax is of little use.  The edge must be sharpened and it requires a metal file. Iron rubbing on iron can produce sparks.  There is heat from the friction.  Yet, it is needful for the ax to be profitable. God wants us to be useful in His Kingdom, and I need my friend to help keep me sharp. I am expected to do likewise for you.

Who is your accountability partner?