Day 28: Accountability

Why is it we innately try to hide our sin? Collectively, “hiding” might be the adult skill that we have developed better than any other. We deny, disguise, cover up, and hide our inadequacies, shortcomings, and sin. By definition, all believers have recognized the fact that we will all give account for our actions to Almighty God. But, willingly inviting others to help hold us accountable to a holy life is frequently something we avoid or devalue. Historically I've sought out accountability groups and invited brothers in Christ to help sweep the dirt from my life and my heart. Still, there remains dust along the baseboards and dust bunnies in the corners which I neglect to attend to. There are also pieces of furniture that I hope no one will ever ask me to move because I know how ugly it is under there.

James 5:16: So confess your sins to one another and pray for one another so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person has great effectiveness. (NET)

James wrote this in a discourse on prayer…specifically praying for each other. James talks about sickness that results from sin. That might be a new thought. What proportion of our illnesses do you think actually results from sin? What proportion of our spiritual weakness do you think results from sin?

Something powerful happens when we move in unison. We've already discussed the strength of Roman soldiers standing side by side with each soldier guarded by the shield of their neighbors...bearing one another's burdens.

But, there's more to the story of what happens when we move together as a cohort. Soldiers often march in step. Whether the high step of royal guard, or the stomp step of marines jogging in boot camp…each soldier perfectly in step with the entire group. They yield their individual rights of tempo and submit to another's. Is the aim simply efficiency of movement, basic teamwork, maintaining discipline, or respecting tradition? Or does it have significant psychological impacts? Paul had surely witnessed a conquering Roman cohort marched into position. The sounds probably shook his psyche and embellished how he later envisioned Christians moving and working together. (He used related analogies in 1 Cor, Eph, Phi, 2 Tim, and Phm.)

On April 12, 1831 Broughton suspension bridge collapsed as a detachment of men marched across it causing a mechanical resonance. From that point on, British and French soldiers were ordered to break step when crossing bridges. Even so, 200 French soldiers died in 1850 when they “accidentally” moved in unison across a bridge that was swaying in the wind. Their unison caused the collapse. Pedestrian traffic over the newly built Millennium Bridge in London threatened a similar failure in 2000. The power of the pedestrians walking in unison is nothing compared to what God aims to display through His Church. In Matt 18:16, Christ tells us that when two of us agree on something, it will be done. Surely the ground will literally shake under our feet if the Church begins to move together!

What does all this have to do with accountability? How long do you think a soldier can hide injuries and weakness before it affects the movement of the soldiers around him?

Gal 6:2: Carry one another’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ. (NET)

Why do you insist on carrying some burdens alone?

What would increased accountability look like in your life?

Everything in childhood is meant to prepare us for lives as adults. Games inconspicuously teach us life skills. I don't carry many memories from childhood. But, I have memories of hide and seek. Hide and seek is the oldest game recorded in scripture…but it wasn't child’s play in the garden. God came looking for His friend Adam but sin inspired Adam to hide instead.

Interdependent