Accountability
BIBLE VERSE FOR TODAY…. “I went up because of a revelation and set before them….the gospel that I proclaim among the Gentiles, in order to make sure I was not running or had not run in vain.” Galatians 2:2 ESV
Outside of being willing to speak “hard truth” the willingness to be accountable to others and to hold others accountable is a great challenge. It can be difficult to be told that you need to change an attitude or behavior. But we see this is a vital function of healthy people and of mature believers.
As Paul confronts the Galatians that were being swayed by legalistic zealots, he recounts his own life and conversion and experiences. He points out that after sharing the gospel for a time among the Gentiles, he went to Jerusalem with Barnabas and Titus to meet with the leaders of the Church.
Paul points out that while Titus was a Greek, he was not compelled by the leaders to be circumcised. He also wanted to let them know the message he was proclaiming to make sure it was in agreement with the leaders of the Church. The result was a recognition of God’s call and favor and a commissioning to release Paul to continue his ministry among the Gentiles.
Paul was an educated individual, a strong leader, a man with a reputation among the people. But he was willing to submit to the wisdom and seek the confirmation and approval of those he held in high regard. Even though Paul and the leaders had pressure from some legalistic, they held their ground and acted with wisdom.
“Yet because of false brothers secretly brought in—who slipped in to spy out our freedom that we have in Christ Jesus, so that they might bring us into slavery— to them we did not yield in submission even for a moment, so that the truth of the gospel might be preserved for you….they [The Apostles] gave the right hand of fellowship to Barnabas and me, that we should go to the Gentiles….Only, they asked us to remember the poor, the very thing I was eager to do.” (Galatians 2:4-5; 9-10 ESV)
Then later we see Paul holding Peter accountable for his actions when they were in Antioch. “I opposed him [Peter] to his face, because he stood condemned. For before certain men came from James, he was eating with the Gentiles; but when they came he drew back and separated himself, fearing the circumcision party.” (Galatians 2:11,12 ESV)
Even though Peter is referred to by Paul as a “pillar in the Church” he was willing to point out and confront his hypocrisy. Paul was very clear in pointing what was happening and the inconsistency, “When I saw that their conduct was not in step with the truth of the gospel, I said to Cephas before them all, If you, though a Jew, live like a Gentile and not like a Jew, how can you force the Gentiles to live like Jews?” (Galatians 2:14 ESV)
For Paul, it was the truth of the gospel, that was important. Not being right. Not the traditions of man. While being held accountable and holding others accountable, regardless of who they are, accountable is challenging; it is necessary. Personal integrity and maturity and the cause of the gospel are important factors that rise above personal agendas or status.
Prayer for today….. Lord always help us keep our motives and attitudes right when it comes to accountability. Our desire should not be to “catch people in the wrong” but help steer people in the right path. A path that is right before You eyes and one that results in growth and unity.