The following post is Part Four of a five-part series about discipleship from Locking Arms Director Leo Wisniewski. You can check out the other parts here: Part One, Part Two, Part Three
Director Leo Wisniewski:
Accountability
Accountability is the quality of a close relationship where “iron sharpening” as spiritual brothers produces real growth in one another. Proverbs 27:17 states “Iron sharpens iron so one man sharpens another.” We call one another up to something greater than we ever could be alone. All of us who have ever played team sports on any level understand accountability. Whether it was youth soccer, football, you name it our coaches held us accountable. As we grew we also became accepting of our teammates and designated captains who had this role in our lives. Any form of accountability involves submission to another. And that is not easy for us. The scriptures state, “Submit to one another out of reverence for Christ.” (Ephesians 5:21) This submission is seen powerfully in accountability by the standard of God’s word. King David’s covenant brother was Jonathan. He was a loyal friend and a great warrior. Jonathan’s story chasing the Philistines with just his armor bearer demonstrates for us that the deepest expression of accountability is witnessed through great personal sacrifice (Read 1 Sam. 14:1-23). The armor bearers’ sacrifice is to not only dress us for the battle (prayer/word) but their commitment is to run to the battle line with us! “And his armor bearer said to Jonathan, Do all that is in your heart for I am with you, heart and soul.” This deep sense of love expressed in loyalty must be the backbone of accountability.
What symbolism do you see in this passage in our battle against sin and the evil one?
Do you have someone who holds you accountable as a brother in Christ?
Contact Leo Wisniewski leo@lockingarmsmen.org to respond to this post and with any questions you may have. Check out our Huddles Page to get plugged in with one of our groups that meet regularly around the city!