In the second lesson in the War Room, they talk about real accountability. When we talk about accountability it can get a little uncomfortable. Come on lets face it, we are still like children, we don't like to be told that we are doing something wrong. Sometimes, we can even throw a fit when confronted. On the flip side of accountability, sometimes we don't want to tell a friend or family member that what they are doing is wrong. For one, we don't want them to be mad at us or hurt their feelings. But, God wants us to help hold each other accountable and to hold each other up in Love. The study used Psalm 141:3-5a as a prayer:
"Lord, set up a guard for my mouth:
Keep watch at the door of my lips.
Do not let my heart turn to any evil thing
or perform wicked acts
with men who commit sin.
Do not let me feast on their delicacies.
Let the righteous one strike me-
It is an act of faithful love;
Let him rebuke me-
It is oil for my head;
Let me not refuse it."
My, my, my, that is powerful! Sometimes, even as a Christian community this can be abused. I have witnessed it first hand. When we go to a fellow believer we are to do it in Love! We don't want that person to think that we are trying to be their judge! We all have that, God! Also, we have to be careful not to spread gossip. Sometimes we don't even mean to do it. I think as Christians we do have to try harder and think harder about what we say and even who we say it to. People look at us more than non-christians. They want to know how we are going to act or react to a situation. Now, do we sometimes get it wrong? Why yes, we are just human! But, when we do get it wrong, we need to repent and ask for forgiveness. Another verse that I thought was powerful was Proverbs 27:5-6:
"Better is open rebuke, than love that is concealed. Faithful are the wounds of a friend, but deceitful are the kisses of an enemy." (NASB)
Wow! Faithful are the wounds of a friend, deceitful are the kisses of an enemy! I don't know about y'all but, I would much rather my friend come to me and rebuke me than my enemy give me a pat on my back!
I love how this verse just sort of spells it out. It is our duty as Christians to go to our breathen let them know what they are doing is wrong and try to help them and to carry their burden too. This helps to fulfill his law! Oh but wait!! It also gives a warning! Watch yourself, or you too may also be tempted!! We should always have on our full armor of God!
So many times in the Bible does it talk about lifting each other up, carrying each others burdens, and Praying for one another. It so good that God did not want us to fight this battle or go through this journey alone! Praise God! I leave you this week with the following verse! I hope it speaks to you! Till next week...
