Accountability

The Believer's Accountability

The discipline of a Corinthian believer (2 Cor. 2:6) points to one of the important functions of the body of Christ—to hold its members accountable for how they conduct their lives. In the case mentioned here, the censure of the church caused the offender to repent and change his ways, restoring his spiritual life and bringing joy to the church.

Accountability is easy to talk about but difficult to practice. No one likes to be judged by others. In modern society it's especially easy to feel that one's personal life is no one else's business. But a study of Scripture reveals a number of important principles about accountability:

As believers, we are accountable not only for our actions, but also for our attitudes. In the performance-oriented work world, evaluations tend to measure results alone—higher sales, greater cost control, more clients served. Everything is quantitative. But God is interested in our innermost heart. He looks at the quality of our character. As God told Samuel, “The Lord does not see as man sees; for man looks at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart” (1 Sam. 16:7).

Accountability depends on trust. To hold ourselves accountable to others is to trust their judgment and to believe that they are committed to the same truths and values that we are. It also helps if we can sense that they have our best interests at heart. That's why Paul pleaded with the Corinthians to forsake their divisions and “be perfectly joined together in the same mind and in the same judgment” (1 Cor. 1:10). Without that unity, they would never submit to each other.

Accountability is directly related to the principle of submission. Every person must struggle with the natural tendency toward rebellion against God. Accountability involves allowing others to enter into that struggle with us. But that means that sometimes we must defer to the judgment or counsel of others, especially when they challenge us with clear-cut scriptural truth or the wisdom of personal experience. Paul told the Ephesians that part of living in the will of the Lord involves “submitting to one another in the fear of God” (Eph. 5:21).

It's not surprising that participation in the body of Christ would involve accountability, because all of us experience accountability in many other areas of life. For example, the government holds us accountable for obeying the law and paying taxes. Likewise, government officials are accountable to the public for their decisions. Employees are accountable to the boss for their work. Likewise, corporate officers are accountable to stockholders for quarterly financial results. In short, accountability touches us at home, at work, at church, and even at play.

But our attitudes toward accountability in general ultimately reflect our attitude toward accountability to God. If we are rebellious toward the One who created us and loves us most, how able will we be to submit to others?

Accountability of a Leader

Jehoash's dealings with the priests concerning temple repairs is a useful lesson in accountability:

• Jehoash delegated specific responsibilities to the priests with clear instructions concerning the collection and use of money (2 Kings 12:4–5).
• He personally confronted the priests, including their leader, Jehoiada, for their non-performance (12:7).
• He suggested a course of remedial action (12:7–8) and then saw to it that an alternative solution to the problem would be carried out (12:9–12).

Accountability involves far more than simply telling someone what to do and then coming back later to see if instructions have been carried out. It means that a leader commits to overseeing the workers' performance and making sure that the project is completed.

Accountability of the “Gods”

Psalm 82 presents modern readers with a puzzling reference to “gods” (Ps. 82:1, 6). We know that the ancient Israelites believed in one God. So what are we to make of this enigmatic allusion to other “gods” (Hebrew, elohim, “mighty ones”)?

Two main suggestions have been proposed in answer to this riddle. One is that the “gods” mentioned here are demons, fallen angels who not only oppose God but harass human beings. The Book of Job tells of two occasions when “sons of God” met with the Lord, and Satan sought permission to oppress Job (Job 1:6–12; 2:1–7).

The second suggestion is that the “gods” are actually corrupt human judges who were either honored with or took upon themselves the title of “mighty ones.” Some believe that they issued their rulings in the names of certain pagan gods in order to claim more authority for themselves.

Neither suggestion is without problems, but both seem to fit the description in Psalm 82. The evil judges oppress the poor and helpless (82:2–4), and the demons do their work in spiritual darkness, creating instability wherever they go (82:5).

Whatever the identity of these “gods”.the point of Psalm 82 is that ultimately all authorities are accountable to God. He is their final Ruler and Judge, as He is of the whole earth. He measures the integrity of those to whom He has delegated power according to their treatment of the poor, the fatherless, the afflicted, and the needy.

Public Accountability

The idea that public officials need to be publicly accountable was a fundamental principle for David. Thus he charged the leaders of the kingdom “in the sight of all Israel” to follow the ways of the Lord (1 Chr. 28:8).

Visibility is an essential part of accountability. By setting themselves under the scrutiny of others, leaders help to ensure that their actions and decisions will be aboveboard—or at least that others will be able to pass judgment on what is done.

David's charge to Israel's leadership suggests three ways to handle accountability and maintain integrity:

Allow others to review plans and performance. David had developed plans for the temple with the Lord's help (28:11–19). But as he passed them on to Solomon, he pointed out that many professionals and craftsmen were available to refine the plans and carry out the work (28:21).

Act within a community of others. Leaders need others for advice and perspective. David called on the entire community of Israel to work together with his son to accomplish the construction of the temple (29:1–9).

Acknowledge God's presence in everything. This was the most important objective of all. Solomon and his leaders needed to seek out the Lord's commandments and fear Him in everything they would do (28:8–9). He was the One to whom they were ultimately accountable.

Do you place yourself under this kind of accountability? Are you involved with others in a way that protects and promotes your integrity and development?