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 thinking about this the other day. When I first became an “adult,” I was still very naive and immature. I couldn’t wait to move forward in life and break free from the rules and boundaries I grew up under. I didn’t realize that those limits were there for my protection and to teach me how to make wise decisions. Once I was able to make my own choices. As result, I did whatever I wanted to do without considering the consequences.
Growing up in a Christian home, it was assumed that I would just do the right thing when I got out on my own. But the truth was, I was selfish and didn’t want to answer to anyone. When I removed all accountability from my life, I began to live however I wanted and did not make decision that lined up with God’s Word.
As you might imagine that lifestyle led to many regrets. I pretended for a while that everything was fine, but my heart was full of pride and selfish ambition. I had no understanding of what it meant to have people in my life who would walk beside me, speak truth, and help keep me on track with the plan God had for my life.
In today’s passage, Paul shows what accountability looks like. After returning to Jerusalem, he immediately met with the church elders and gave a detailed report of everything God had done through his ministry among the Gentiles. Paul never traveled alone for long, except when spending time in prayer and solitude with God. He surrounded himself with other believers, mentors, and ministry partners who could support, guide, and encourage him.
Accountability wasn’t a burden for Paul, it was a blessing. It kept his mission pure, his teaching consistent, and his character strong. Even before becoming a Christian, Paul understood the value of being submitted to authority and having others speak into his life. After his conversion, he continued to live that way, knowing that God’s mission was too important to walk alone.
Here is a list of actions you can take to stay accountable:
- Take time to identify who in your life you can be accountable to. This could be a mentor, pastor, or trusted friend who shares your faith and will pray for you and encourage your growth.
- Be honest and transparent. Share both victories and struggles with those who hold you accountable so they can help you stay grounded and growing.
- Set up boundaries and routines that help keep you focused on your God-given assignment. These could include scheduled check-ins, prayer times, or goal reviews.
- Stay teachable. Be willing to receive correction and encouragement with humility, knowing that accountability is a gift that helps build strength and character.
Begin by asking God to show you who He wants you to connect with for accountability. Reach out to that person and ask if they would be willing to meet with you regularly, whether monthly or weekly, to talk about your progress, challenges, and spiritual growth. Write down the areas of your life where you need accountability most and make a simple plan to keep those areas strong.
Today I want to encourage you to embrace accountability as a blessing, not a burden. God never intended for you to fulfill your calling alone. Surround yourself with people who will strengthen your faith, challenge you to grow, and remind you of the mission God has placed in your heart. When you walk with accountability, you walk in strength, wisdom, and lasting victory.
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.”
Journal:
- Who are the people I trust to speak truth into my life and help me stay on course?
- What specific areas of my life need more accountability or structure?
- How can I become more open and honest with those who help me stay grounded?
- What steps can I take this week to build stronger, godly accountability relationships?
The Daily Dose 