Walk the Talk: A Men's Bible Study in JamesSample

Accepted & Accountable

What do you want your way of life to be like? Really think of that for a moment.
What do you want your life to be known for? Here’s a few virtues to consider…

Fearless. Loving. Compassionate. Inviting. Generous. Fair. Faithful. Enduring. Brotherly. Selfless. Engaging. Relatable. Inspiring. Peaceful. Mindful. Grateful. Trustworthy.

You can add in other attributes you might want to be associated with yourself…

As men of faith, we are to be accepted into the brotherhood of Christ. But we are therefore also expected to remain accountable to others for our own words and actions. James concludes his letter by summarizing his exhortations with perseverance and faithfulness, prayer, confession, and restoration. He concludes the type of life a brother in Christ should live: One of Acceptance and Accountability.

And James also gave us a three-step plan to persevere in faithfulness to this code of Acceptance and Accountability: Confess, Commit, Communicate!

1.Confession is not only saying what you have done wrong and owning up to it. It is also supposed to be a proclamation of what you want to do right and stay faithful to it. That is why the Bible talks about confessing belief in Christ, entailing that righteous actions will follow. And interestingly, in this final chapter of his letter, James first speaks of staying true to our word and our beliefs, and then he goes further to talk about confessing our sins to one another to be healed. Spiritual, emotional, and physical healing awaits when we start confessing our faith and failures as likeminded men of God.

2.Commitment does not only speak of our faithfulness to God, but also our faithfulness to others. When someone talks to you about their struggles, can they find both acceptance and accountability in your counsel? Are you approachable that someone may both confess to you and correct you? Are you willing to accept others, regardless of their mistakes, and accept responsibility for your own mistakes? Can you confidently hold others accountable for their commitments and actions, while also being accountable for your own?

3.Communication is the bridge over all relational borders. First, communication with God changes things. It has the power to transform and heal, but also the power to change perspectives. Prayer is communication with God. Furthermore, communication with our brothers in Christ is also vital if we are to endure in our faith and keep assisting others in doing the same.

Therefore, let us call upon one another in love, and so bring restoration to each other without being fearful, nor legalistic. Let us give of our time and resources, strengthening each other as brothers in Christ. Let us speak up for righteousness and live out our faith with endurance and perseverance. Let our lives be known by the character of Christ… Let us Walk the Talk!

Reflect on the following…

1. What characteristics, as mentioned by today’s reading or any others, would you want to be attributed to your way of life?

2. How can you practically live each day with Acceptance and Accountability?

3. What do you specifically need prayer for today? Pray about it…