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A Partner for Accountability
An accountability partner is able to perceive what we can't see when blind spots and weaknesses block our vision. Such a person serves as a tool in God's hand to promote spiritual growth, and he or she watches out for our best interest. When choosing this type of confidant, look for these characteristics:
1. Godly. A person who walks in the Spirit will offer genuine wisdom based on biblical principles rather than personal opinion.
2. Trustworthy. No matter what you share with this individual, you must be certain that he or she will keep everything in the strictest confidence.
3. Accepting. He or she must allow you to be yourself--frailties and all--and not try to remake you into someone "perfect."
4. Courageous. A good accountability partner will lovingly confront you with the truth, even when it hurts (Eph. 4:15).
5. Forgiving. When you make mistakes, trust is built through mutual forgiveness.
6. Edifying. Don't choose someone with an overly critical attitude that will make you feel worthless. Love edifies and builds up (Eph. 4:29). It never destroys.
7. Encouraging. You don't want someone with a checklist, who judges or acts like a prophet. Instead, choose someone who takes great joy in encouraging you.
We all can benefit from someone who is able to say what we need to hear without making us feel threatened. Answerability provides checks and balances that promote spiritual growth and protect us from pitfalls. If you don't already have an accountability partner, pray for that person today.
For more biblical teaching and resources from Dr. Charles Stanley, please visit www.intouch.org.
And Listen to Dr. Charles Stanley at OnePlace.com!
Used with permission from In Touch Ministries, Inc. © 2019 All Rights Reserved.
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June 202106/30/2021
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06/26/2021
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06/22/2021
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I want to challenge you this week, when something threatens to steal your contentment, choose to draw from God.
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May 202105/31/2021
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April 202104/30/2021
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04/23/2021
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04/22/2021
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04/20/2021
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04/03/2021
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04/02/2021
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The cross is a place of brokenness, but it's necessary because there's no other way we'll ever bear fruit. But those who willingly die to themselves will produce an abundance of spiritual fruit.
March 202103/31/2021
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Great faith begins with little steps.
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03/26/2021
03/25/2021
03/24/2021
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02/22/2021
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02/20/2021
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02/19/2021
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02/16/2021
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02/15/2021
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What causes us to be such reluctant servants?
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02/04/2021
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02/02/2021
The Bible clearly instructs us to keep coming to the Lord with our concerns.
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January 202101/30/2021
What a privilege to be able to approach the King’s throne, knowing He listens, understands, and cares!
01/29/2021
01/28/2021
01/27/2021
If you’re a believer, you are part of the awesome body of Christ!!
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01/25/2021
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Hanging back instead of seeking a place to serve is a form of thievery, robbing from the Lord's church.
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At salvation, you become a part of the body, no matter what your local church's membership rules may be.
01/05/2021
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December 202012/31/2020
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When Jesus walked this earth, a vast multitude followed Him. They came for all sorts of reasons—some noble, some selfish. The same is true today.
12/28/2020
Our true identity is defined not by our past actions but by the Savior's.
12/26/2020
Although He gives His peace to every believer as a gift, our experience of it is related to our faith in the following truths...
12/25/2020
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Jesus desires that we be willing to humble ourselves to serve others.
12/23/2020
12/22/2020
12/21/2020
Talk about Christmas memories: you can be sure that all of the people who experienced the first Christmas never forgot it.
12/19/2020
Waiting upon God is not passive. It is not lazy. It is not an excuse to be careless. In fact, the opposite is true.
12/18/2020
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Practicing a lifestyle of obedience doesn't mean we'll never make mistakes. But it does require diligence if we are to succeed.
12/16/2020
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Is there something God has told you to do that seems just too difficult?
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When you’re in love with Jesus, you can’t keep to yourself the joy that comes from knowing Him.
12/11/2020
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The cross is so common in our culture that most people don’t think twice when they see one on a church.
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The names given to Jesus tell a great deal about His ministry.
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Scripture is powerful, and it will renew your mind in truth. That’s why memorizing God’s Word is a time-honored tradition that countless believers have used through the ages, to grow strong in faith and to encourage themselves and others. We hope these cards will become a treasured part of your journey into a foundation of faith.
