Admonishment and Accountability #AfterMyCoffee

I sometimes hear Christians saying they want their friends to keep them accountable for different things. It sounds really good. A Biblical Accountability partner is important. Sometimes I wonder though, if that person really tries to keep you accountable and gives you Biblical admonishment, what then? Do you start calling them judgmental or hypocritical? Do you start avoiding them? Do you change churches or homeschool groups or stop going to Bible study? Basically, do you pout like a baby and run away, justifying your actions or lack thereof?

I think I've been guilty of all of the above at some time or another...

Yep, I can be a big baby when it comes to being admonished. I hate being called out. Why do we ask for accountability when we know ourselves well enough to know we really don't want to hear anyone else point out our failings when we know them all too well.

Now the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that ye may abound in hope, through the power of the Holy Ghost. And I myself also am persuaded of you, my brethren, that ye also are full of goodness, filled with all knowledge, able also to admonish one another. Romans 15:13-14

The Bible tells us to admonish one another. It's right there in the Word of God. Yet, we consistently do one of two things (or both), start pointing fingers and crying "judgmental!" or "legalistic!" or we run and hide, shunning the well-meaning brother or sister in the Lord. The word actually says it should be the other way around though:

And if any man obey not our word by this epistle, note that man, and have no company with him, that he may be ashamed. Yet count him not as an enemy, but admonish him as a brother. 2 Thessalonians 3:14-15

Your brothers and sisters in the Lord are not your enemies. I realize many "admonishers" don't have your best interest in mind and are just making drama or gossip... Yet... Usually, if something has been said to you, to your face, in front of witnesses, (Yes, the Bible also says we are to admonish in front of witnesses.) then there is usually some truth, some grain of sin, or some attack of the enemy that needs to be dealt with. The enemy of our souls will send fiery darts trying to get us not to speak to each other in brotherly love. He will also send fiery darts to try to make us feel more vulnerable, defensive, and even self-righteous when we are admonished.

It's not fun to be admonished. It's not fun to be held accountable. It hurts. Be aware, very aware of what you are asking for if you ask for accountability. Also be aware that it is your job as part of the kingdom, not to turn a blind eye, but TO admonish others. Yes, Jesus said to clean out your own eye first, before poking at someone else's, and we should. If we are constantly reevaluating ourselves we will never feel confident or comfortable admonishing another, but we can pray for the Holy Spirit's help to do it in love and also spend time praying for that person.

Yes, let us keep each other accountable. Yes, let us admonish one another. Let us also have humble, teachable spirits and be willing to self examine and ask for help.

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