On the road together

Let’s face it, men, living God’s way doesn’t come naturally. That’s one of the great reasons God put us in the church: with the help of other believers we can become like Jesus more effectively. Accountability to another man is a great tool to help you in your desire to be more like the Savior.

In his book, “Locking Arms: Strength in Character through Friendships,” Stu Weber proposes four important aspects of Christian men’s accountability.

• Acceptance - we will choose to accept each other as we are with no conditions. Solomon wrote: “A friend loves at all times, and a brother is born for adversity.” (Proverbs 17:17). Paul encouraged the church at Rome, and us men today, to “accept one another as Christ as accepted you.” (Romans 15:7).

• Affirmation – we will commit to building each other up through genuine expression of interest and regular encouragement. In a world that beats us down every day wouldn’t it be nice to have a friend that intentionally encourages us?
1 Thessalonian 5:11 instructs us to “…encourage one another and build up each other…”

• Accountability – We will regularly check in with one another in key areas of our personal and spiritual growth. Solomon knew the value of accountability: “As iron sharpens iron, so one man sharpens another. (Proverbs 27:17)

• Authority – We will recognize and if necessary remind one another of God’s ultimate authority in our lives. Proverbs 27:5-6 reminds us: “Better is open rebuke than hidden love. Wounds from a friend can be trusted, but an enemy multiplies kisses.” Truth telling is indispensable in a friendship that under God’s authority.

As men, we are not meant to walk this path alone. Ecclesiastes 4:10 says:
“If one falls down, his friend can help him up. But pity the man who falls
and has no one to help him up!” (Ecclesiastes 4:10).