F A T H E R SSample

 -Accountability-

The word accountability is not only listed second behind faith solely because it’s the second letter in the acronym of FATHERS. It’s also because with faith being our first priority, naturally accountability comes next in the sense of both self-accountability and the accountability of those within our sphere of influence (especially our family). Accountability, when it comes to our children, most times looks different than when holding another believer accountable because of the factor of physical discipline and not just verbal. Physical discipline can look many different ways and doesn’t solely rest on spanking your child. It could be the loss of a favorite toy or the sacrificing of certain privileges (television, phone, car, etc.) Unfortunately when it comes to discipline, some parents either overdo it or don’t discipline their children at all; both can set them up for a rude awakening. This devotional isn’t to tell you how to discipline your children, but is designed to dive deep into God’s point of view on the matter. Proverbs 13:24 says, “Whoever spares the rod hates his son, but he who loves him is diligent to discipline him.” Don’t overlook the word diligent.  Being diligent means paying attention to detail, or in other words, taking account (accountability). And remember, diligence in discipline is taking delight in discipling your children. We are called to make disciples of all nations (Matt 28:19), therefore that discipleship should start within our own households. 

True biblical accountability embodies the “Golden Rule”. Matthew 7:12 says “So in everything, do to others what you would have them do to you, for this sums up the Law and the Prophets.” 

Essentially holding yourself accountable means to love yourself and to hold other believers accountable. This inspires us to love our neighbor as you love yourself, in which Jesus himself declares as the second greatest commandment behind loving God with all your heart, soul and mind (Matt. 22:37-40). 

However, in order for our children and others to not see us as hypocrites, we must realize that operating and living according to a Christ-like standard, and holding ourselves and others accountable to God’s standard, doesn’t mean to judge others and look down upon them according to our own self-gratifying standards (Matt 7:1-4). It means to speak biblical truth and to love our kids and brothers/sisters in Christ in order to help them grow spiritually, and walk the narrow path to righteousness (Prov. 27:17) (Gal. 6:1-2) (Matt 7:13-14, 18:15-17). When the motive behind accountability is love, its essence is enlightenment with the purpose of counseling and not condemnatory or scathing. In fact, biblically it’s our responsibility as believers to hold each other accountable or, as Paul writes, to instruct one another (Rom. 15:14). That’s why it’s imperative that we first hold ourselves accountable to the standard of God and not of man before attempting to hold someone else accountable. We can’t lead someone to a place we ourselves aren’t headed; we would only expose ourselves as hypocritical, or even worse, cause another believer to stumble. 

*Self assessment:

As you continue on life’s journey, take a good look in the mirror first through the lens of the Gospel and strive towards the holy standard that Jesus set. Only then should you take on the responsibility of holding others accountable with the same amount of grace and mercy that the Lord has afforded you!