Accountability

"Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their labor: If either of them falls down, one can help the other up. But pity anyone who falls and has no one to help them up. Also, if two lie down together, they will keep warm. But how can one keep warm alone? Though one may be overpowered, two can defend themselves. A cord of three strands is not quickly broken." Ecclesiastes 4:9-12

The first book I ever read in the bible was the book of Daniel. Lots of people remember the story of Daniel in the Lion’s Den. How faithful Daniel was and how God delivered Daniel from the Lions by closing the mouths of the lions while Daniel was there over night. It is a great story.

But that is not what I am impressed with in that story; chapter 3 is where I was riveted. The story starts by King Nebuchadnezzar making an image of gold and all were commanded to bow down and worship it. Three men Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego did not bow down and worship the statue but prayed to God were brought in and given another chance to renounce God and worship the gold statue. They refused knowing that they would be put into a fiery furnace. The king was so mad and turned the fire up hotter by seven times and threw the three men into the fire. Not only the three men were protected, there is a first look and what people think is Jesus in the fire with them.

This is what I truly believe about this amazing story. I believe that if any one of them were alone they would have caved and bowed down to worship the statue to save their lives. They could have even justified it saying, “I didn’t really worship the gold statue” or “God I pretended to worship the gold idol and it saved my life so that I could serve you later” but since there were 2 friends who shared their beliefs they were strong for each other and encouraged each other not to cave.

How many of us could benefit at having a Christian friend by our side as we go through a difficult time to obey God. Let’s say you have a tough time with overspending, and you tell your Christian friend that you struggle with it. As they hang out with you I am guessing just because they are there you would not over spend, but as soon as their gone you would over spend. They put “Skin on God” and eyes on you.

The key to navigating this amazing journey with God is to do it with God’s Love and accountability. And I believe that God puts people in your life to help you with that journey.

Lord I pray that each of us finds an accountability partner that puts skin on God and that we communicate with and are honest with what we struggle with. I pray that just like the bible passage states that we help each other up and we act better with this accountability. Thank you for the amazing example Daniel gives us, and thank you for the three men of Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego and how they stayed strong for each other and you God despite the consequence. Please let me be that for others, and put people in my life to hold me accountable to you. In Jesus name I pray, Amen.