Buddy up! (1)

Accountability. A word we may have been told to have. We may describe it as, 'Um, it's like being there for people?' Let's consult the Oxford English Dictionary: to be accountable means people are

'required or expected to justify one's actions, decisions; answerable, responsible.' So to have an accountability relationship with someone means they're responsible to check up on our actions and have the right to discuss the hard stuff with us; often this relationship is two-way, and it can be life changing.

Why is this kind of relationship important for Jesus followers? In order to keep on track with Jesus, we need to be accountable to one another. The change in our lives from regularly meeting with and praying with someone, and being asked the really tough questions about what we've been up to, is massive. James 5:16 GWT says, 'So admit your sins to each other, and pray for each other so that you will be healed. Prayers offered by those who have God's approval are effective.'

When we feel alone, distraught or discouraged, we could all do with instant access to a video montage of our personal recent successes. But in reality, having someone to buddy up with who loves Jesus and who'll help, encourage and lovingly challenge us, will do way more for us.



So what now? Do you have someone you can be completely open and honest with? If not, think about someone you really trust, and ask them to be an accountability buddy for you.





— SCRIPTURE —

'Admit your sins to each other, and pray for each other.' James 5:16 GWT
— SOULFOOD —

Gal 5:22-23, Ps 18:31-35, Isa 42:1-4, 1 Pet 3:15