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The Accountability Principal
Read Luke 17:3-5
According to Jesus, how should we approach other Christians who have fallen into sin?
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Why do you think the disciples responded, "Increase our faith"?
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Whenever we teach 0n accountability, we have students who come up and tell us, "I don't need to
have someone in my life to hold me accountable. My relationship with God is between me and God
- and no one else."
Nothing could be further from the truth. Yes, a relationship with God is personal. But it's not
intended to be private. There's a big difference. Let's say it a little louder:
A relationship with God is personal ... but it's not private.
The confusion some teenagers have about this subject is understandable. After all, Christianity is
distinguished from other religions in that it is personal. Through Christ you have a personal
relationship with the Creator of the universe. The Spirit of God resides personally in your heart.
No other belief system makes even remotely similar claims.
But at no point does the intimacy of your walk with God relieve you from personal accountability
to the body of Christ. Your relationship with God is not just your business, and my relationship
with God is not just mine. We are accountable to one another. Why do we say that? Because Jesus
himself commands us to practice accountability! He considered accountability so important that
He commanded His disciples to hold one another accountable. That's what Luke 17:3-4 is all about.
You probably don't like the idea of being confronted about your sins or weaknesses by other
Christians. You're in good company. Neither did the disciples. How do we know? Look at their
response: "Increase our faith!" (Luke 17:5)
You get the sense from this verse that the disciples looked wide-eyed at Jesus and said, "Dude, I
can't do that! You are going to have to amp up the faith quotient in me, because I am not about to
take instructions or get rebuked by these guys. I'll take it from you, Jesus - but these bozos? No
way!"
But Jesus was making a point to His disciples and to us: We are in one another's lives for this very
purpose. Accountability is my responsibility. It's your responsibility too.
Write your thoughts about this statement:
"Your relationship with God is personal ... but it is not private!"
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