Accountability: Only The Weak Kneed It!

Today's post is dedicated to one of my personal heroes, Wilber, who normally would be writing today. He is at home watching his two small boys so that his several months pregnant wife could take a much deserved break and go on a little retreat. So between being a good dad and having Internet service provider issues, he is prevented from posting and you are stuck with me.One of the reasons Wilber is my hero apart from his obvious devotion to his wife and family is the fact that tonight after he puts the boys to bed he could be at home resting with the whole house to himself. He would have it made. No wife, no kids, sole possession of the remote control, and peace and quiet. Does Wilber save this time for himself, well he probably could, and there would be nothing wrong with that. What Wilber has chosen to do instead is to have me and a couple of other guy friends over for some fellowship, encouragement and accountability. Yes I said it the dreaded "A-word". .

I know that many of you pastors, seminary students, and amateur theologians out there may think this is a bit pansy. I mean if a man can't even stay out of trouble for a couple of nights while his wife is away he must be in bad shape. Well no not really. It is not that Wilber needs guys to come and hold his hand while his wife is away, its that Wilber needs to set the example of brokenness and humility for the rest of us who depend on his leadership. Now Wilber wouldn't tell you all this stuff and he is probably going to be a little embarrassed that I am making an example of him.

From my view, I think that we could all do with more transparency, humility, and accountability among our pastors, and student ministry leaders. I think the precedent for this is demonstrated by the apostle James when he stated:

Therefore, confess your sins to one another and pray for one another, that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person has great power as it is working.
- James 5:16 (ESV)

These words in the Greek give us a picture of believers by mutual agreement acknowledging their weaknesses or sins to one another so that they can pray for one another and have victory. It is a holy and proactive thing to do. It displays a desire to stay close to the Lord by keeping close to each other. It also reflects the practices that Acts 2:42 demonstrates as being necessary for a healthy church community.

Okay I think you all get the drift of what I am trying to say here. However, for those macho men who think they don't need any help. Chew on this chestnut: even Jesus had his twelve.Sure, there are times when you will be called to go on alone but unless God is directing you to do otherwise, make good use of brothers in Christ who will admonish you in love and with God's word to help you on your journey.