Accountability or Judgment
This past Sunday I got on a little bit of a soapbox about how judgmental we, as Christians, can be. To be completely honest I don’t regret anything that I said; however, after the service I had this feeling in my stomach that I might have caused some people to shy away from accountability for the fear of feeling like they are judging another person. Accountability is a vital part of the Christian community and is something that Jesus constantly practiced. So I wanted to share several distinctions between accountability and judgment.
Before I get into the list, the type of accountability I am talking about is done between Christians. There is no reason to expect someone who doesn’t claim to have any allegiance to Jesus to live as if they have wholly surrendered their lives to Him. With that said, here’s the list…
Accountability is done face to face, one on one (unless it’s a matter where you need to have another person with you.)
Judgment is often done away from the other person’s presence.
Accountability is wanting to see the person’s relationship with Jesus restored.
Judgment is wanting to see the other person destroyed.
Accountability is motivated out of love for the other person.
Judgment is normally motivated out of spite or ill-will for the other person.
Accountability doesn’t mean you are perfect
Judgment shows that we think we’re perfect.
Accountability seeks wisdom.
Judgment goes on a whim or what they perceive to be true. Then talk as if it’s 100% fact.
Every part of Accountability is humble. It’s all about vulnerability.
Judgment is rooted in pride and arrogance.
Accountability is always done in private.
Judgment is done in public.
Holding someone Accountable is something that is earned through a relationship.
Judgment is carelessly thrown around.
Accountability is sought after.
Judgment does not seek permission.
Accountability does not desire to share other’s struggles with anyone else.
Judgment shares any and all information with others just as a topic of conversation.
I don’t want us to shy away from accountability, but I want us to be sure we are going about it the right way. I believe the Apostle Paul gave us a key piece of advice in 1 Cor. 13:1-3 where he says that we can do anything, but if we don’t have love, it’s pointless.
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