07/07/19 Practical Discipleship: Accountability Questions

READING: 1 Thessalonians 5

From the beginning of the Bible, God has held people accountable for their actions. From His pursuing sinful Adam (Gen 3:9) to His announcing judgment on Adam and Eve (Gen 3:14-19), God laid the foundation for accountability. Further, the Scriptures often speak of our responsibility to encourage and admonish others (e.g., 1 Thess 5:14—“And we exhort you, brothers and sisters: warn those who are idle, comfort the discouraged, help the weak, be patient with everyone”).

While I don’t believe that using accountability questions is the end-all of accountability, I do think it’s wise to ask one another important questions throughout the week. Perhaps this list that I give to my students will help you to ask others—and to evaluate your own life today:*

1. 1. Have you been with a member of the opposite gender anywhere this past week that might be seen as compromising?
   2. Is there anyone other than your spouse for whom you are developing feelings?
   3. Have you exposed yourself to any sexually explicit material?
   4. Have any of your financial dealings lacked integrity?
   5. Have you spent adequate time in Bible study and prayer?
   6. Have you given priority time to your family?
   7. Have you shared Christ with anyone this week?
   8. Who is closer to God this week because of your life?
   9. Have you fulfilled your calling to the best of your God-given ability this week?
   10. Are you hiding anything?
   11. Have you just lied to me?

PRAYER: “Father, help me to live in such a way that I’d be unafraid to answer these questions.”   

TOMORROW’S READING:  2 Chronicles 35-36, Acts 9:26-10:8

*Several of these questions come from Chuck Colson’s book, The Body.