Biblical Accountability for Business LeadersChikamu

Biblical Accountability in Practice

When we think about putting biblical accountability into practice, it's crucial to understand that it begins with our hearts. In practical terms, accountability means consistently letting others evaluate our attitudes and decisions based on biblical standards and the guidance of the Holy Spirit. It's about worshipping the One to whom we are ultimately accountable. When our hearts are in the right place, we’ll realise accountability is so much more than meeting up with one or two others to fulfil an obligation. We won’t want to settle for that kind of sterile box-ticking.

Secondly, accountability always involves other people. We can only hold ourselves accountable to a point before our disordered desires take over and we convince ourselves that sin is ok. Sometimes, we really don’t know what to do in a situation we’re facing, whether it be in our personal, family, work, or social life. We all need fellow believers who can give us wise counsel for important life decisions and who can encourage us to exercise our gifts and talents.

We are accountable to God, within community, but there's no one-size-fits-all approach to practical accountability. Age, life stage, experience, and level of responsibility all play a role in how we engage in accountability—both in holding others accountable and being accountable ourselves. It's important to grant permission to those who have earned it to speak into our lives. It’s also helpful to include in our lives people from diverse social, economic, and cultural backgrounds. They can offer unique challenges and encouragement that those with similar backgrounds might not provide.

Three types of relationships can significantly enhance your practice of accountability, leading to personal freedom and professional flourishing. Firstly, peers—such as fellow executives or colleagues at a similar level. They understand the dynamics of your business world and can provide direct, relatable accountability. Secondly, older mentors, whether seasoned business leaders or trusted Christian advisors, they offer invaluable insights gained from experience. They can pinpoint blind spots, pose critical questions, and guide you with wisdom. Thirdly, friends outside of your professional circle bring a fresh, unbiased perspective. They are unaffected by your workplace pressures, and can offer clarity on your behaviours, priorities, and aspirations.

Accountability relationships should be authentic. It would be unwise to commit to holding someone accountable and being held accountable in return if we’re unwilling to be honest. And of course, after considering someone’s advice, the decisions are still ours to make.

Having an accountability partner doesn't replace our personal prayer life or hearing from God directly. Let’s continue to pray for wisdom (James 1:5) and humbly seek the perspectives of trusted fellow believers, so we are able to glorify God in business and every other arena of life.