The Blacksmith’s Discipline: Honing Godly MenSample

The Tool of Accountability

Accountability accelerates spiritual growth in a man. Accountability brings us into a relationship. It shapes and sharpens our wisdom. It refines foolish ideas and decisions. It forges courage for challenging times where previously there was none. It refines character. But the real benefit we tend to overlook is the awareness it provides that can move us more rapidly from foolishness to wisdom.

In our culture, men aren’t usually encouraged to seek help. We’re told to “man up.” Therefore, we try to handle life alone, often leading to foolishness and sin. What we really need is the support of brothers and accountability.

Eventually, all men will stand before the throne of God to give an account of their actions in this life. Accountability gives us the ultimate pay-now or pay-later choice. Every follower should want to be more proactive and less reactive. When it comes to our actions and choices, we should pay now in the forge so we don’t have to pay later in life or in eternity.

Think about it. Why not endure the shame of being called out today so we don’t get shafted tomorrow? Why not be called out by a brother in private rather than being called out before a crowd? Why not submit to the correction of a leader rather than be canned from a career job? Why not endure humiliation by a drill sergeant rather than endure humiliation and loss in battle?

A little momentary distress sounds a lot better than long-term loss or embarrassment. This is the wisdom of accountability. Practice paying up now or get ready to pay up more later. So why not invite a brother you trust to help you stay on course? You can’t avoid it anyway, and in the end, it will make you more wise and less foolish.

In a spiritual context, seeking accountability for our actions and motivations can feel daunting. Therefore, we resist it. We simply harbor too many bad beliefs and attitudes about Christian accountability. In Christian circles, accountability is mainly expressed in the context of sin and addiction. But accountability is not just an aid for addressing addiction and sin; it’s also an aid for spiritual growth that goes beyond behavior modification. Accountability can be powerful, positive, proactive, and preventative.

It’s time to forge a bond of accountability. Accountability will involve heat, pressure, and molding. Deep inside the fire of honesty and vulnerability, we’ll discover impurities that need to be refined and weaknesses that need to be strengthened. So, let’s dive deep into the forge of accountability, my friend. Let’s embrace the heat, the pressure, and the transformation that comes from walking this journey together. And as we emerge from the fire, may we be stronger, sharper, and more resilient than ever before.

Let’s DO it together.

For Reflection: What barriers keep you from embracing accountability, such as fear of exposure, past negative experiences, or a desire to maintain independence? How can you overcome these barriers and foster a more receptive attitude toward accountability?

Prayer Starter: Thank you, Jesus, for those you have put into my life so I can be the man you’ve called me to be. Bring someone into my life to help me be accountable for…