More from Paul David Tripp

I was greatly encouraged by what Paul Tripp has to say regarding Accountability in his book Instrument's In The Redeemer's Hands.

The concept of accountability tends to carry negative connotations. Yet the biblical picture is very loving in at least two ways. First, as we help restore people to where God wants them to be, we are called to "carry each others burdens" (Gal. 6:2). We are also told to fight the deceitfulness of sin by "encouraging one another daily."(Heb. 3:13). We must love people enough to do more than expose wrong, pronounce right, and walk away. Accountability requires a willingness to roll up our sleeves and get alongside people as they fight the war between sin and righteousness.

Yet as people step out in faith, they are often still confused and afraid. They have committed to a new and better way, but they are not yet ready to be on their own. The disciples provide a wonderful example of this phenomenon. They had been with Jesus for three years and seen the glory and power of his presence. They had learned much about the kingdom of God, but in many ways they were still wobbly and uncertain. In his last few moments with them before the cross, Jesus recognized that they were not ready to be on their own. (John 16:12-16). Their fear and confusion at his crucifixion (which Jesus had warned them was coming) reveal what spiritual babies they were. Confused and afraid, they hid together, wondering what to do next. Even after they saw the resurrected Christ, they were still asking wrong questions (Acts 1:7-11). But Jesus didn't leave his wobbly disciples alone. He sent the Holy Spirit to guide, teach, encourage, warn, convict, and strengthen them.

God calls us to the same ministry by the power of the same Holy Spirit. He calls us to stand with people as they step out in faith, obedience, and courage. This is the ministry of accountability. It is not about lying in wait to catch them doing wrong. The purpose of accountability is to assist people to do what is right for the long run. It provides a presence that keeps them responsible, aware, determined, and alert until they are able to be on their own. It directs eyes that have just begun to see, and strengthens weak knees and feeble arms. We seek to encourage flagging faith and to keep God's goals before people's eyes. We help them to understand when they need to flee from sin and when they are called to stand and fight.

By contrast, accountability is not about being a private detective, trying to do the work of the Holy Spirit, being someone else's conscience, forcing someone to obey, chasing someone who is running, or looking for someone who is hiding. Accountability provides loving structure, guidance, encouragement, and warnig to someone who is fully committed to the change God is working in his life. The person who makes accountability work is always the person being held accountable. He doesn't see our presence and help as scary or intrusive. He doesn't run and hide from it. Rather, he is glad to know that as others stand with him, God stands with him. Accountability works because he is a seeker, not a runner. The runner doesn't need accountability; he needs rebuke. Accountability is help for those who are committed to change.

Accountability provides help on a practical level in way like these:

1. Accountability provides structure.
   
2. Accountability provides guidance.
3. Accountability provides assistance.
4. Accountability provides encouragement.
5. Accountability provides warning.

Accountability brings ongoing help to the person who is fully committed to the "put off/put on" process.