If you ever want to insert an awkward silence into a healthy discussion about personal struggles, bringing up the subject of ‘accountability’ will probably do the trick. Most of us are predisposed to consider the word ‘accountable‘ to have a negative connotation-likely because of what past experiences have taught us.

Consider some popular examples of public accountability (or lack thereof) - Tyco, ImClone, and Enron. Most people who follow the stock market or consume even a smattering of business news can identify those companies for having displayed gross mismanagement of assets or unethical accounting. Often, such companies are investigated and high-ranking individuals are brought to court in order to be held accountable for their actions. Such examples need not be limited to corporate interests or money.

Nobody is exempt from being accountable for something, from politicians and public figures to school teachers and technicians–everybody is expected to perform tasks in such a way that they do not fall short of the expectations of others.

We are all familiar with the various aspects of personal accountability. Whether it involves job performance, parenting, driving, or our daily walk with God, we are usually well aware of what is expected of us.

Go ahead and read Nehemiah 5:1-13.

In this passage, Nehemiah actually introduces us to the fundamental paradox of true personal accountability: it works best when it ceases to remain personal.

While we may understand our shortcomings, we all require a reference point or incentive in order to correct our behavior. Without at least one other person to investigate our progress, we are no longer accountable for our actions–we no longer have an obligation to explain or justify our actions, which is at the very heart of what the word ‘accountable’ means.

Nehemiah was wise enough to realize that simply making the lenders and money collectors take an oath to halt their improper practices would not be likely to yield a positive and lasting result. Nehemiah made note that they would need to be accountable-to each other and to God. The result of breaking the promise would be a swift and visible judgment from God. The passage says that the people did what they promised… so are we to assume that they did it out of fear alone? The often-negative connotation that the topic of accountability brings with it is due to the fact that we sometimes fail to see the greater purpose behind it-a closer relationship with God and each other.

Any time I have ever teamed up with an “accountability partner” for some purpose relating to my spiritual life, I usually tend to approach it from the perspective that I should repair my negative behavior simply to spare myself the embarrassment of having to admit to that person that I have once again failed to reach my goal or fallen prey to the same sin in my life. For a short time, that approach works-though it usually falls apart as soon as it becomes evident that I am only seeking to save face and not actually trying to glorify God. True progress begins when we understand that our accountability to each other should embody our desire to please God with our thoughts and actions.

Instead of treating our spiritual accountability like a box awaiting a check-mark for good effort, we should view it as an opportunity to fill ourselves with more and more things that please God until there is less and less room for the things that do not.

a personal example
I’ve had a sizable collection of Christian music albums for as long as I can remember having something to play them on, but several years ago a friend told me that if I listened to only Christian radio in my car for an entire month, it would change my life in a significant way. At the time, I was in my car about two hours a day, and while I certainly expected it to be more positive and uplifting than my normal listening, I hardly thought I would find it enjoyable… much less life-altering. However, that friend knew me well-whether singing it, playing it, writing it, listening to it, or even just humming or whistling it to myself-nobody can take away my love for music. That is what made the challenge significant. Over time, my friend would not only ask me if I was still listening to the new music, but they would also ask me what I thought of it-what I liked and disliked, etc. Quite frankly, it was a difficult transition and it took years of bouncing back and forth for that type of radio listening to really grow on me. Every time, though, it became easier to jump back to the Christian music stations-and I had more to discuss with my friend all the while.

God currently uses that music as a wonderful tool in my life… like an ever-present reminder of my accountability to God. It’s rather difficult to willingly defy God when songs of His greatness and love for me are right on the tip of my tongue. Though it certainly doesn’t have to be music, I would urge any Christian to find something easily accessible that reminds them of God, and simply keep it close by. Spiritual and lifestyle accountability with fellow Christians doesn’t always have to be a deadly-serious thing (though it could be). Often, it’s simply a bridge to a greater understanding of each other and God’s will for each of you.

Being accountable for how we respond to God’s will is not about embarrassment, failures, addictions, or even having a friend ask us the same question each week after church just to check up on us… it’s about the joy that God is faithful to bestow upon us when we seek His will together.

Dear Lord, You are such an incredible friend. You record my words and deeds not because you wish to recount my shortcomings, but because you rejoice in my successes. So often, I cannot justify myself before you, so I simply ask your forgiveness. I thank you for the people you put in my path to remind me of the standard you have set for us, and I pray that you would give me every opportunity to shine brightly for You today, so that those who see me will see You too. In Jesus’ name, Amen.