Winston Salem church of Christ

Periodically, I do something insane and I apply necessary peer pressure on myself by publicly announcing an endeavor that I am planning.  Why do I torture myself thusly?  The reason is that tomorrow is my favorite day.  I love tomorrow.  I am always willing to do whatever needs to be done tomorrow.  You see, tomorrow never comes because when the sun rises, it is not tomorrow!  It is today! And I promise I’ll do it tomorrow! 

In writing Philemon, Paul made another accountable to him.  Being made responsible helps to facilitate our projects and duties—and more importantly our personal and spiritual growth. Notice Paul’s “slickery:” If then you [i.e., Philemon] regard me a partner, accept him [i.e., Onesimus, the runaway slave returning as a Christian] as you would me. [18] But if he has wronged you in any way or owes you anything, charge that to my account; [19] I, Paul, am writing this with my own hand, I will repay it (not to mention to you that you owe to me even your own self as well). [20] Yes, brother, let me benefit from you in the Lord; refresh my heart in Christ. [21] Having confidence in your obedience, I write to you, since I know that you will do even more than what I say. [22] At the same time also prepare me a lodging, for I hope that through your prayers I will be given to you. (Philemon 1:17-22) 

Paul hoped to be visiting Philemon – checking up on his treatment of Onesimus.  Would Philemon do, as he should?  Paul made him accountable.  Paul informed Philemon of his coming.  Paul says he’s not going to mention that Philemon owed Paul – and in not mentioning it he mentions it!  Paul expresses confidence in Philemon’s obedience.  Sharing one’s confidence in another helps them become more accountable.  Paul’s letter to Philemon was addressed to the entire church (vv.1-2) so that all heard what he expected from Philemon!   

Wow, Paul is laying the accountability on thick!  But please remember that Paul’s endgame is not personal gain, but spiritual growth in  others. 

Forced accountability—is that something that you sometimes need? Sometimes we aren’t strong enough to force ourselves to be accountable, and we need the help (even when it is unwanted) from others. 

Just to give you a simple example, how many people join weight-loss organizations to put extra weight on themselves…wait, that didn’t come out right…to put extra pressure on themselves by being accountable before others? 

Some people choose to allow others to monitor their computer use, to force them to be accountable. 

In school, tests, grades and report cards are forced accountability. 

Various people have various ways because we all need help sometimes. 

We can choose to make ourselves accountable. Occasionally I pressure myself by announcing certain projects needing done.  Yes, it informs you, but it also forces me to follow through.  And if we do not, then others might be forced to make us accountable. 

Following through is much harder than giving up – if no one knows what you are supposed to do.  

Giving up is much harder than following through – if someone does know what your responsibility is. 

Do we know who does what around here?  If not, ask – it makes people accountable.  We also might discover an organizational deficiency – maybe no one is doing it – make the elders accountable that it gets done.  Do we see something done incorrectly or insufficiently?  Then we should offer to help – it makes the helper accountable.  I guarantee you the Deacons could use volunteers. 

Periodically, we need to put pressure on ourselves, because we are accountable to God no matter what (2 Cor.5:10) for an eternity. 

Questions:We are always accountable to God, are we constantly aware He is watching?How can making ourselves and others accountable be encouraging? 

Prayer: Ask God to help remember that one day you will have to give an account of everything that you do – and don’t do. 

Oh, by the way, to help me be more responsible, I would like to announce that starting tomorrow, I will start doing….

Perry D. Hall