Fishersmen APES are (A)ccountable

What is Accountability? It is a check and balance system to protect us from harm from ourselves and others. We do this by being open to what we are thinking and doing so we can receive encouragement and reproof, when needed. Accountability is a GOOD thing!

The Bible says God’s people are to warn sinners and to dissuade them from evil to save their lives. If we don’t, God holds us accountable. When I say to a wicked man, 'You will surely die,' and you do not warn him or speak out to dissuade him from his evil ways in order to save his life, that wicked man will die for his sin, and I will hold you accountable for his blood. Ezekiel 3:18 NIV

From the beginning, when God walked with the first men, he tried to counsel them when they were tempted to sin and hold them accountable. Then the LORD said to Cain, "Why are you angry? And why has your countenance fallen? "If you do well, will not your countenance be lifted up? And if you do not do well, sin is crouching at the door; and its desire is for you, but you must master it." Gen 4:6-6 NASV Everyone is accountable, even a beloved King. Nathan confronts David and holds him accountable after his sin against Uriah and with Bathsheba in 2 Samuel 12:1-13.

Being accountable and providing accountability protects us from stumbling or falling. “If your brother sins, go and show him his fault in private; if he listens to you, you have won your brother.” Matthew 18:15 The apostle Paul says that as believers and followers of Christ we are equipped to counsel our brothers and hold them accountable “And concerning you, my brethren, I myself also am convinced that you yourselves are full of goodness, filled with all knowledge and able also to admonish one another (hold each other accountable).” Romans 15:14

Are you tempted in an area? Are you having trouble living up to God’s standards and struggling in an area. Build accountability! Ask a trusted fellow brother to hold you accountable. Do you have a Nathan in your life?