Accountable
When he had greeted them, he told in detail those things which God had done among the Gentiles through his ministry. Acts 21:19
I was just thinking about this the other day. When I became an “adult” I was still very naive and immature. However, I couldn’t wait to move on in life away from the rules and limitations I had grown up under. Little did I know that those were in place for my protection and for learning to make good decisions in life. As soon as I was able to make my own decisions, I did not make good ones at all. Because I was brought up in a Christian home, it was assumed that I would just do the right things when I got out on my own, but the truth was that I was very selfish and did not want to answer to anyone. As I thought about this briefly the other day, I considered that because I removed all accountability in my life, I began to live a life of doing whatever I wanted at the time without lining up with the standard of God’s Word.
As you can imagine, and already know if you have been reading the Daily Dose for a while, in removing that standard I made many regrettable decisions in my life. Oh, I tried and even pretended for a while that I was living right, but my heart was dark and full of selfish ambition. I had no understanding of what it meant to have people in my life that would come along side and help me to keep on track with the plan God had for me.
In today’s reading, we can see a clear example in the life of the apostle Paul of being accountable to the elders of the church and those he traveled with. He never isolated himself as he traveled (except to be along with God at times) and as soon as he returned to Jerusalem, he promptly gave the church leaders a report of his missionary journey and the work that God had done through his team. Sure, it makes sense that Paul would subject himself and his team to those in Jerusalem. This was one of the ways he was able to stay in agreement and keep his teaching in line with the rest of the church at that time. The truth is that Paul had lived a life of accountability and understood even before he became a Christian the importance of keeping yourself in submission to others to help and encourage him to be successful in the thing, he set out to do in life.
Now that I have, in more recent years, began to line up my life with the standard of God’s Word and His ways, it is easy to see the importance of accountability. So much so that I want to stay so close to Him to make sure that I do not get off track ever again. One of the most important things I now know about being accountable was learning to recognize when God puts things in my heart. For years I would dismiss the assignments the Holy Spirit was leading me toward because I didn’t understand that He would empower me and bring others into my life to walk out the plan with. Because I couldn’t or didn’t even know how to start, I would simple just say “That’s not for me” each time He gave direction. Thank goodness He got me to a place and teaching the assured me that in following His plan, He would surround me with all that I need to get the mission done and it has been the greatest joy of my life to do things His way and with His people.
Today I want to encourage you to consider who you are accountable to? Yes, we are all accountable to God and His Word, but do you have a plan in place to do that and also to walk along side those who will help and encourage you to be on track. What boundaries have you put in place to keep you from getting distracted or lured away from the mission and assignment you have been given from heaven? Who have you shared the plan of God for your life with to pray for you and be there for you to help you through the discouraging times? This is one of the most important and first steps you should be taking when stepping into your calling. Begin today to pray that you will know your assignment and for those who you can walk out this call with even if it is just to have someone to check in with and give updates. God never intended for you to accomplish your mission on your own. He knows that in order to go far in your purpose, you must have others along to be accountable to and when you do, it will be the greatest joy of your life too!
Today’s scripture reading: Acts 21:15-25
15 And after those days we packed and went up to Jerusalem.
16 Also some of the disciples from Caesarea went with us and brought with them a certain Mnason of Cyprus, an early disciple, with whom we were to lodge.
17 And when we had come to Jerusalem, the brethren received us gladly.
18 On the following day Paul went in with us to James, and all the elders were present.
19 When he had greeted them, he told in detail those things which God had done among the Gentiles through his ministry.
20 And when they heard it, they glorified the Lord. And they said to him, “You see, brother, how many myriads of Jews there are who have believed, and they are all zealous for the law;
21 but they have been informed about you that you teach all the Jews who are among the Gentiles to forsake Moses, saying that they ought not to circumcise their children nor to walk according to the customs.
22 What then? The assembly must certainly meet, for they will hear that you have come.
23 Therefore do what we tell you: We have four men who have taken a vow.
24 Take them and be purified with them, and pay their expenses so that they may shave their heads, and that all may know that those things of which they were informed concerning you are nothing, but that you yourself also walk orderly and keep the law.
25 But concerning the Gentiles who believe, we have written and decided that they should observe no such thing, except that they should keep themselves from things offered to idols, from blood, from things strangled, and from sexual immorality.”
The Daily Dose 