Weekday Devotionals
“Confident of your obedience, I write to you, knowing that you will do even more than I say.”
— Philemon 21
Sunday Pastor Pete highlighted the essential role of accountability within fellowship to foster a true and genuine spiritual development. When Pastor was talking about the role of accountability, and how this is the only true way to spiritual development, my mind went right to the words obedience and proximity.
Are you familiar with Chuck Swindoll? He is a Christan pastor, educator, author, and a radio preacher. He had a small cameo moment on the radio station I was listening to while getting ready for work one morning, and while he was speaking, he explained that he was pulling a small card out of his shirt pocket. He went on to explain that the card had a series of specific questions that he was prepared to answer at any given moment. I don't remember the specific questions, but I do remember the fact that he regularly met with a small group of guys who would ask him those questions, and he would ask them the same questions as well.
He is obedient to the calling on his life. He understands If he is not intentionally allowing himself to remain accountable in this life, he will be held accountable in the next. Specifically, he will be held accountable for the manner in which he lives out his faith.
Real accountability happens in proximity. You cannot remain accountable if you hold up in your house, sneak out before service ends, or turn down all the invitations to get a cup of coffee. Let’s go back to Philemon, where I started, Paul worked very closely with him and in the end, he closes with “Prepare a room for me”. This was Paul’s not so subtle way of saying I’ll be back to check on you and make sure you are doing as instructed. Accountability and obedience follow up in one short sentence.
If we desire to grow in our walk with Jesus, we need to be obedient to His calling, surrounded by our spiritual family, and we need to remain accountable to each other. When we value biblical accountability, just like it is modeled in Paul’s letter to Philemon, then I’m sure we will see greater obedience to the teachings of Jesus, deeper fellowship among believers and more devoted prayers being lifted to the Lord more regularly.
Take a moment now and pray for clarity and next steps to the following question: Who do you allow yourself to remain accountable to?
— Philemon 21
Sunday Pastor Pete highlighted the essential role of accountability within fellowship to foster a true and genuine spiritual development. When Pastor was talking about the role of accountability, and how this is the only true way to spiritual development, my mind went right to the words obedience and proximity.
Are you familiar with Chuck Swindoll? He is a Christan pastor, educator, author, and a radio preacher. He had a small cameo moment on the radio station I was listening to while getting ready for work one morning, and while he was speaking, he explained that he was pulling a small card out of his shirt pocket. He went on to explain that the card had a series of specific questions that he was prepared to answer at any given moment. I don't remember the specific questions, but I do remember the fact that he regularly met with a small group of guys who would ask him those questions, and he would ask them the same questions as well.
He is obedient to the calling on his life. He understands If he is not intentionally allowing himself to remain accountable in this life, he will be held accountable in the next. Specifically, he will be held accountable for the manner in which he lives out his faith.
Real accountability happens in proximity. You cannot remain accountable if you hold up in your house, sneak out before service ends, or turn down all the invitations to get a cup of coffee. Let’s go back to Philemon, where I started, Paul worked very closely with him and in the end, he closes with “Prepare a room for me”. This was Paul’s not so subtle way of saying I’ll be back to check on you and make sure you are doing as instructed. Accountability and obedience follow up in one short sentence.
If we desire to grow in our walk with Jesus, we need to be obedient to His calling, surrounded by our spiritual family, and we need to remain accountable to each other. When we value biblical accountability, just like it is modeled in Paul’s letter to Philemon, then I’m sure we will see greater obedience to the teachings of Jesus, deeper fellowship among believers and more devoted prayers being lifted to the Lord more regularly.
Take a moment now and pray for clarity and next steps to the following question: Who do you allow yourself to remain accountable to?
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