Why is it that when we’re accountable to another person, we’re more apt to follow through on a promise or commitment? Why are we more likely to succeed when we share our struggles with another person and then walk through those struggles together than when we try it alone? Why are we less likely to give into temptation when we’re with someone else than when we try it solo?

I don’t know about you, but I imagine many are like me in that I don’t want to let the other person down. Years ago, I spent twelve weeks eating right and working out six days a week with a goal to lose weight and improve my health. I was successful in losing 65 pounds largely in part because I did it with a partner. I woke up early and met him at the gym several times a week. We worked out together more times a week than we did alone, so I knew he would be able to see if I’d been faithful to stick to the plan on my own when we couldn’t get together for a few days. I knew he would be at the gym at 5:00 am, and I wasn’t about to give him an opportunity to rib me for making an excuse to not be there on time, ready to go. The desire to not let him down motivated me to follow through on my commitment, even though it required a big sacrifice on my part. And I know from conversations with him that he felt likewise about his commitment to me…he didn’t want to let me down by not being there.

Likewise, when I joined a discipleship group with seven other men, I knew that we would meet once a week to review what we’d learned that week in our personal study time. And I knew that I would be asked questions that required my having completed the daily workbook assignments for the week. I was accountable to the group for committing to them that I want to grow in Christ and having expressed that I’m willing to take the necessary steps to become a true disciple of Christ. I didn’t want to let the group down by not following through on my promise. That desire to not let the group down motivated me to sacrifice daily to meet the objectives of the study. And I know from conversations with them that they felt likewise about their commitment to the group…that it’s easier to make the sacrifice when we know we’re accountable for our actions during the weekly gathering of us all.

I had a conversation once with my accountability partner and good friend and it got me to ask the question…” to whom am I really accountable?” In my head, I know the answer is God. Hebrews 4:13 says, “Nothing in all creation is hidden from God. Everything is naked and exposed before his eyes, and he is the one to whom we are accountable.” I’m accountable to God for how I live this life He’s given me. I’m accountable to Him for whom I share the news of Jesus with. I’m accountable to God for my choices and my actions. I’m accountable to God for fulfilling His command to go out and make disciples…to love Him and love people. (John 13:34-35)

I know this as head knowledge, but have I made it heart knowledge? Am I living this knowledge out? To whom am I really living my life accountable to?

Why do I find it easier to resist temptation and stay the course when I have a human accountability partner than when I don’t? When the alarm went off to wake me for my morning workout alone, why was it easier to hit the snooze button and roll over when I already knew I’d be working out alone because my training partner couldn’t make it due to his work schedule? And when my discipleship group takes a brief break, when the alarm goes off at 4:50 am to wake me for my daily quiet time, why is it easier to roll over and hit the snooze button when I know I’m not immediately accountable to a friend for having spent time with God daily?

Really, when I do that haven’t I just told God “I’M too tired to meet you right now…I’ll make time for you later…around MY schedule…I’ll come to you when I’M ready.”

Why is it easier to make excuses when we I don’t have someone in our my face pushing us me?  Are we Am I really that unbelieving and unfaithful that we I need visual confirmation of that which we I say we I believe?  Isn’t Jesus enough?  Isn’t the thought of letting HIM down enough to motivate us me to resist temptation and get out of bed to meet Him daily?  Do we I really need a human accountability partner when we I have Jesus and the Holy Spirit?  Isn’t Jesus THE ultimate accountability partner?

I pray daily He is…that He continues to grow inside me so much so that my desire to not let HIM down outweighs my desire to not let man down.  Because in the end, you and I are not standing before man to be judged.  We’re standing before a God that is holy.  Righteous.  Just.  Faithful.  A God that knows no sin.  THE God whose Son took our place in death so that we may see life.  And when He stands to defend me, I want to know Him so well that I can say “You!! You, Lord Jesus, are my accountability partner, and I claim You as my Lord and Savior.”

I pray this for you too…is He your accountability partner?

P.S. After reading this again, it seems that I’ve asked more questions here than provided answers.  I think maybe that’s okay…because I’m okay accepting the reality that I don’t have all the answers.  However, this, I can say with certainty.  Don’t mistake making Jesus your ultimate accountability partner with forsaking your finding of an accountability partner here in this life.  While we are accountable to God first and foremost and long to live a life that reflects that, we need people…other believers…in our life to challenge us to be better. “Though one may be overpowered, two can defend themselves. A cord of three strands is not quickly broken.” – Ecclesiastes 4:12

#1. “But Moses protested to God…” – Exodus 3:11(a)

#2. “But Moses protested…” – Exodus 3:13(a)

#3. “But Moses protested again…” – Exodus 4:1(a)

#4. “But Moses pleaded with the Lord…” – Exodus 4:10(a)

#5. “But Moses again pleaded, ‘Lord, please! Send anyone else.'”- Exodus 4:13

Here’s Moses, standing before a bush that’s on fire…but not being consumed by the fire…and it’s talking to him, no less!! Once he knows it’s God, he still doesn’t fully trust. Five times, Moses protested, finally pleading to God that He send someone else. Anyone.

We wouldn’t be that mistrusting would we? I mean really if a burning bush is talking to us claiming to be the one true God and calling us to do something, we’d jump right on it, right? Well, my question to you is this…what is God asking you to do? Have you pleaded that

1. what He’s asking of you is too big for you?
2. you’re not qualified?
3. you’re not worthy?
4. you’re too busy?
5. He send someone else?

Guess what? You’re right. To a point. Here’s the thing friend. I was blessed enough to have had my own personal Burning Bush Moment, and I can say from personal experience it’s not as easy as you would think to just jump right in. As I argued with God for six weeks whether or not to start the Upward Sports ministry here at FBCW, I used literally every argument Moses used. And each time, God’s rebuttal put me in my place.

1. Think that what He’s asking of you is too big for you? Yeah…it most likely is. Out of our comfort zone is precisely where God wants us…because when we realize it’s bigger than our ability to do it alone, we have no choice but to call on Him for help…and to give Him the glory afterward. We don’t grow when we’re stagnant and in our comfort zone…physically, mentally or spiritually. To grow in physical strength requires stretching and exercising…pushing ourselves outside of our comfort zone. Likewise, to grow spiritually requires a regular stretching and exercising of our faith…walking outside of our comfort zone.

2. Believe you’re not qualified? God doesn’t call the qualified. He qualifies the called. All throughout Scripture God uses the least likely people to accomplish His will on earth. You’re not qualified…that’s why He wants you to be the one to do it.

3. Think you’re not worthy? You’re not. None of us is. The God who sent His Son to die a horrible death on the cross doesn’t NEED us to do anything. He WANTS us to serve Him…because we want to, not because we have to.

4. & 5. Asking Him to send someone else? We know Moses had the same thought. I’m sure others have too. But quite simply, if not you, then who? If not now, then when?

Not everyone gets a “burning bush” call from God. And even if you did, would you really believe it was God anyway? Or would you stand there talking back to and arguing with a fiery bush like Moses and I both did? So stop waiting for it, because while God can certainly talk to us through a flaming bush if He wanted to, He sent us His Spirit after Christ’s death on the cross for us. And it’s the Holy Spirit – dwelling within us – that He uses to call to us. All we need do is turn off the distractions of this world and slow down so we can hear Him. And then trust Him to do His part in it all.

So…what is God calling you to do? Are you pleading your case or jumping on board? I’d love to hear your thoughts. Will you pray this prayer with me today?

Gracious and holy Lord, I pray that I can put the worries and distractions of this world aside every day so that I can come into closer fellowship with You. That I can hear the whisper of Your voice on my heart and know with certainty it’s You. I pray, oh God, that when I hear Your call, I would have the courage and passion to follow where You lead me without question. I long to know and follow hard after You. Dwell within my heart, soul and mind that I might always feel Your presence. I pray this in the blessed name of your Son, my Lord Jesus Christ. Amen.