This chapter on accountability has caused me to pause. I need to examine the errors I have made, both big and small, and reflect and reframe my own perspective of the word.
In Part I, I wrote about how having an attitude of accountability has faded with time and in cultures around the world. The United States seems to me a relevant example of the monumental shift that has taken place. The phrases of "what's in it for me?" and the idea of entitlement run rampant. Television sensationalizes these ideas as things that now "just happen" as opposed to taking personal responsibility for our actions. It will take time, effort and a dramatic shift in perspective to return to the days of generations before us where the meaning of the word is understood.
Part II began with Paul's change in perspective. He certainly experienced a drastic change in the loss of his eyesight. God restored his ability to see and his eyes became wide open to the reality of an awesome God. From that point on Paul was never the same. The shift became permanent, his mission clear and he held himself accountable to God and God's people. Building the church was the exact reason for which he was designed, perfected by God's image. He had passion, he embraced personal responsibility, and he "ran the good race" for God. Becoming aware of what Jesus did for His people was the key element in Paul's change in perspective.
Of particular note in 2 Corinthians 5:7, as he begins by saying, "For we live by faith, not by sight." It is not irony that Paul mentions sight. Having lost his, he would have had only one choice to live by faith had it not been restored. As I dissected verses 7-10 in 2 Corinthians 5, I made a few points to note. Having faith is a process of continual growth. Seeing God's work shape and take form by your faith in Him, increases your personal faith. It is one step after another, and at times can be exponential. In verse 8 I mention Paul's "heavenly mindset" and in verse 9 pleasing God on earth in our daily walk and actions by following the idea presented in verse 8 and asking the Holy Trinity to intervene and provide divine power. Verse 10 is easy to read and hard to comprehend. We will all face judgment. Having a "running conversation" with God will help keep you focused and straighten your path.
Leaders are to be accountable to those in their care. That is the defining message in Part III. I termed this idea "reverse accountability." Jesus became a servant that He might be served. The disciples were to emulate His actions. In John 13:16-17, he writes how Jesus says "servants and messengers are no greater than their masters." Jesus was not placed on earth to be served, but rather to serve God's people. Serving others can propel you to higher places, just as it did Jesus after His death on the cross and His ascension into heaven. Moving "higher" is in direct relationship to "getting" lower.
In Part IV, I outlined 7 steps to aid us in remaining in accountable directly from 1 Thessalonians 5:12-18. 12: Acknowledge hard work. 13: Hold others in high regard. 14: Be patient with those not yet in God's will. 15: Do not repay wrong actions with wrong actions. 16: Always rejoice. 17: Pray continually. 18: Keep your efforts in line with God's will.
Not all of these will necessarily be followed in perfect order with respect to each different situation. They are guideposts. Just before these verses in 1 Thessalonians 5 :11, I note two key elements which will help verses 12-18 make sense. When you edify and affirm the good works of others, it provides fuel and motivation to continue in good works and to reach higher. The second is praise. Praise people for their efforts. Praise is closely related to edification and affirmation, but at a heavenly level.
Talk with God about how to foster and grow their relationship so they will be effective in their efforts.
Part V continues to build on the idea presented in Part IV to build a team of advisors. Surrounding yourself with mentors will keep you moving forward on your personal mission. Like Paul, we must one day give an account for what we have done on earth at the day of judgment. Review the passage in Matthew 12:36 and Romans 14:12.
I then talked about those you lead. 1Corinthians 4:2 reads, "Now it is required that those who have been given a trust must prove faithful." Words are important. They are critical when spoken because we want others we lead to have faith and trust in our counsel. It is equally important to listen. Our peers which we are accountable to, above and below, must be able to see a consistency in the message. Good advice to follow is found in Luke 12:2-3 and 12:48.
As I like to do in Part VI of each chapter, I look to bring some of the elements from Parts I-V and put them in perspective. Even in the harsh face of accountability, there is both failure and victory. The difference is in how we view what is gained and what is lost. Edison and Einstein failed more often than not, but in the process, their continual effort proved victorious.
Three steps will help you remain in a place of accountability. Repent, ask for forgiveness and forgive others. Each come with their different and distinct challenges. These steps in order, provide freedom. When we repent, God no longer keeps a record of our sins. Look in Acts 3:19. 2 Chronicles 7:14 gives us the key to unlock the door to freedom. Humble yourself, pray, seek the face of God, right your wrongs and God will hear you immediately, forgive your sin and heal your land. Forgiving others may be the hardest part. However, their is divine power in forgiving, and it can even provide a "pay it forward" process to the one you have forgiven. I believe the words uttered to God in humility and forgiveness toward another in prayer could cause them to have feelings and pray for the forgiveness of others they harbor sin against.
The principle of accountability takes many forms. Redefine the word for yourself. Hold yourself personally responsible. Embrace an attitude of serving others as Jesus did; the idea of reverse accountability. Follow the 7 steps with your team outlines in 1 Thessalonians 5:12-18. Be careful with your words so there is value, faith, trust and belief by your peers. Change your perspective using the equation of repentance + asking for forgiveness + forgiving others.
Within the principle of accountability, as measured to be in line with God's will, there is freedom.
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