Lent: 3/9/09
March 9, 2009
Genesis 41:46-57
1 Corinthians 4:8-21
Mark 3:7-19a
“Accountability”
For though you might have ten thousand guardians in Christ, you do not have many fathers. Indeed, in Christ Jesus I became your father through the gospel. I appeal to you, then, be imitators of me. 1 Corinthians 4:15-16 (NRSV)
Accountability is the other side of affirmation. Without both we are unlikely to grow in our spiritual journey. Unfortunately, most Christians and even churches miss the importance of having both in constant dialogue and creative tension with one another.
Continual affirmation without accountability becomes meaningless and theologically suspect. If I’m okay and you are okay: why is everything such a mess? The habit of supporting each other in our dysfunction causes us to loose the ability to see a need for change and robs us of our motivation to endeavor to reach beyond our present circumstances.
On the other hand, accountability without affirmation is in a word, cruel. While we all need to be reminded of the “law” we also need a constant supply of “grace” to keep the engines of discipleship running. To always remind people of their shortcomings without any mention of celebration or victory destroys the spirit. This too becomes pointless and is equally suspect. This situation too often leads to abuse and ultimately to rejection.
We all need those friends who will love us where we are at the moment, but lovingly refuse to let us call that place home for a protracted period of time. True Christian companions have to become equally skilled with both the carrot and the stick. We have to offer both accountability and affirmation and learn to expect the same in return.
Today as we consider these things I invite you to rekindle those relationships in your live that both build you up and move you forward. If you do not have these types of relationships, take the initiative in creating them. It will not only strengthen you in your Christian journey, but it will also help them too.
Please join me in prayer…
O Lord, giver of both Law and Grace,
thank you for the persons in our lives
who know the power of a life-giving “yes”
and the transformative potential of a sacred “no”.
This day we give you thanks for the
tender hands and holy cattle prods
that comfort and challenge
woo and provoke us
to lead lives worthy of your call. AMEN.
