So far in this series we have looked at several ways for developing close spiritual friends. This week we look at accountability and healing.
Many of us have a love/hate relationship with accountability. We know that it is good for us but we rarely, if ever, go seeking it out. And if someone tries to hold us accountable without our asking our usual impulse is to resist it. Moreover, the idea of us holding others accountable makes us cringe because we don’t feel qualified or we fear the disturbance in our relationship. But if we want deep spiritual friendships then we will welcome accountability.
In the New Testament accountability is mentioned in the form of warning each other. Colossians 3:16 instructs us to be “admonishing one another”. The word for admonish means gently warn or caution. I prefer the word warn because “admonish” is vague to many of us. Warning each other is a normal part of Christian growth. In Acts 20:31 Paul says he warned the Ephesians with tears for three years! In I Cor. 4:14 he warns his readers as beloved children.In Col. 1:28 Paul says he warns everyone.
Thus, part of a deep spiritual friendship is being aware enough of one another’s spiritual life that we can identify thoughts or actions that lead others away from Jesus. This means that we ask questions about their thinking when we suspect that something might be wrong. Then we gently caution them where needed. It also means that we invite our friends to do the same with us and that we are receptive when others examine us. We should not make it an unpleasant experience for our friend.
Consider how much pain would be avoided if leaders took accountability seriously. Consider how many nationally-known leaders could have avoided their downfall if they had been in a true accountability relationship. When we realize how much it motivates us when a friend is keeping watch on us then we should look forward to it. Alcoholics Anonymous has used accountability for decades to keep people sober. Accountability also knits hearts together because it is so vulnerable. Others know our weaknesses yet we are still fully accepted and encouraged.
The second idea today is prayer for healing. I Cor. 12:28 says that “God has placed in the church . . . gifts of healing” (ESV). James 5:14-15 explains: “Is anyone among you sick? Let him call for the elders of the church, and let them pray over him, anointing him with oil in the name of the Lord. And the prayer of faith will save the one who is sick” (ESV).
We have the power through Christ to heal one another. Why not use it? It is just a matter of stepping out in faith and starting to pray for healing. When we meet we should set aside a time for people to inform us of their needs including health needs. Then we actually start praying for them. Have a time of silence to listen for any direction from God. Then start actually praying, laying on hands, and then checking to see if anything has happened. Then pray again. Be persistent and trust God for power. Pray for several weeks. We will see healings if we do this. In this way God is glorified and our friends find relief. Moreover, our hearts will be more closely bound together in deep spiritual friendship in Christ.
