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 Fostering Christian Accountability 

We are living in the world that appears to be losing its moral anchor at a constant decline.  Nowadays, the choice to do the right thing seems to be easily ignored and compromised, hence, the need for accountability is paramount for any society to achieve moral stability, and it should start with responsible and upright individuals.  Accountability is basically the willingness to hold you responsible for your words and actions.

 

Considerably, there are secular accountability or advocacy groups today that take part in dedicating their time and devotion for this purpose-driven task.   Accountability groups that we know of today are normally structured to reform people having difficulties in dealing and overcoming deep-seated human issues such as addiction, depression, anger management, and the likes.   The way this support system works is that each one in the group is encouraged to share personal and sensitive information about them, comfort and motivate one another who are struggling with similar life circumstances, in the hope of recovering from their ordeals and get another shot at life.  The appalling truth though is that, more often, the emphasis is not at all focused on spiritual realizations of one’s need of a Savior, and that it’s not just about overcoming one’s weakness; but being overcome with Christ as Lord of one’s life that matters most.

 

Christian accountability on the other hand expands beyond just giving and receiving moral support from fellow believers and this is what the BBBC singles ministry aim to achieve through the creation of Christian Sojourners’ accountability group.  For its kick off, a general assembly meeting was scheduled to present the plan.  This was held last 4th of December 2015 at Popeye’s Restaurant, Al Rigga, Deira.

 

The fellowship meeting started half past seven in the evening, shortly after everyone had their names registered for their attendance.  Such an encouragement getting overwhelming support from our regular CSJ participants, visitors, even a few former CSJ brethren who came to assist and successfully graced the event.  It also feels great to see new faces actively participating and taking part in the program.  Bro. Rued Almadilla later on delivered God’s Word through his message on the subject, “Accountability”.

 

The focal point of our devotional study was centered on Christian accountability, the need to build responsible and quality relationships among fellow believers, as we are all part of the same body of Christ.  This is where Christian Sojourners accountability groupings come into play.  Prior to that, Bro. Rued introduced to us the new set of Sojourner Officers with him being the appointed President, Bro. Sid as his assistant leader, Sis. Mabel as Adviser and sisters Khei, and Regine as the treasure and secretary, respectively.  He then proceeded with the pronouncement of accountability group members and corresponding leaders.  I reckon most of us were surprised as selection of members was deliberately done in random.  It was explained later that its main purpose is for us to get to know and learn how to get along with others who are not our usual circle of friends in the ministry.  We are aware of the challenge as establishing accountability friendships may take time and serious effort to develop and grow.

 

In a nutshell, essential elements that we should take into account in building accountability friends are: Humility

(1 Peter 5: 5), Submission (Ephesians 5: 21), Encouragement (1 Thessalonians 5: 11), Warning, Comfort, and Support

(1 Thessalonians 5: 12-14).

 

Thanksgiving and prayer concluded the assembly meeting; with all of us later continued in never ending moments of fellowship, laughter and photo taking spree while enjoying the refreshments served that night.

 

Ours is a life of spiritual warfare and we need fellow believer friends to whom we can go to, and hold us responsible if we desire to lead a holy walk in our faith.  As iron sharpens iron (Proverbs 27:17), consider becoming a loving, loyal Jonathan to his best friend David and a confidant, encourager Barnabas to his soul-brother Paul.  Likewise, put into consideration father figure and mentor Paul to a younger ward Timothy, or perhaps an honest, uncompromising Prophet Nathan to his beloved King David.  We can’t hold a candle to such great men of faith, but we can look at their examples for us to learn the importance of having someone to be accountable to, as Ecclesiastes 4:9-10 says; “Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their work: If one falls down, his friend can help him up”.

Bro. Sandy Soliguen

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