Iron sharpens Iron: 5 ways to grow together in Christ and build accountability

Are you running in a race for God? How are you cultivating your relationship with God? We must be intentional in this; it takes true effort!

Next question: Are you doing this ALONE?!

Whether you are applying this to marriage or friendship, I think all of us need community and ACCOUNTABILITY. We are not called into this spiritual journey alone. God is a relational God. He wants a relationship with you and He encourages us to be in relationship with others.

In Proverbs 27:17, it confirms for us that we can make a difference in another’s life. It says, “Iron sharpens iron, and one man sharpens another.”

There is power, comfort, strength and growth in a relationship that depends on God. We can and should help by pushing one another to spiritual growth.

I guess it is best said in Ecclesiastes 4:12, “And though a man might prevail against one who is alone, two will withstand him – a threefold cord is not quickly broken.”

Some practical ways to do this:

Read or Study together: If married, read one book on marriage together each year. Read aloud to one another before bed or while driving or read separately and then discuss what you thought about each chapter. Read a chapter in the Bible together each day or choose the same Bible reading plan through the YouVersion app.

If single, do any book study that will allow you and your friend(s) to learn and grow. This provides a common goal and bond as you are doing something together. Is there a bible study you can do together? If not, START ONE! In my experience, smaller groups help with open communication and everyone feeling safe to share. These first two, a shared experience, will bring you closer. I think this is confirmed in Colossians 2:2. Through this, “their hearts may be encouraged, being knit together in love, and attaining to all riches of the full assurance of understanding,”

Be Accountable to One Another: If you have a goal or deadline, tell your friend or spouse. Are you struggling with another relationship or a specific sin, share with your spouse or accountability partner. Bringing it out into the light will help you take it more seriously and be more consistent or diligent in your efforts for change or consistency. Ask the person specific questions and allow them to ask you the hard questions about your progress and commitment without being defensive. Make the phone call or send the text to see if they got up early for their workout or alone time with the Lord. Ask if they won the victory in that area for the day or heck, sometimes for that HOUR! In Hebrews 10:24-25 it says, “let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near.”

Encourage One Another: Send an encouraging note in their lunch or day planner or purse/briefcase. Place a note on their car windshield. Hide a note in the book they are currently reading for them to find later. HANDWRITTEN notes are so rare these days. It will for sure show how much you care and are invested simply because they know you took extra time to do this. In a hurry, a text or email straight from your phone will also work! I got a message last week that simply said, “Talking to Jesus about you!” Nothing more, nothing less! Wow, how my attitude and demeanor changed in that very moment. I pray for people, but I rarely tell them. We don’t have to announce it every time, but when God leads, it might just be what someone needs to hear and know; that someone else is on their side thinking of and supporting them. 1 Thessalonians 5:11 reminds us, “Therefore encourage one another and build one another up, just as you are doing.”

Bear One Another’s Burdens: This world and our lives are sometimes just heavy! We can become overwhelmed; in these times, we lose our focus and our gratitude. We can lose our optimist mindset and dwell on the hard and the negative. No one needs to stay in this headspace. At times, we simply need someone else to help carry the heaviness. Galatians 6:2 calls us to “bear one another’s burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ.” We can do this several ways. Physically providing for someone in a time of need. Making the meal that will alleviate some stress in a season. Babysitting for a family so they can get a break. Mowing a widow’s yard that has too much on her plate in a new season without her spouse and helpmate. This leads me to my last point …

Pray, Pray, Pray!!!!! There is no greater gift you can give someone than to pray for them. Join them in lifting up their concerns, circumstances, burdens and future. Asking for God to move in their lives. Seeking Christ for direction, wisdom and peace as they move forward in hard times and good times. How do you pray for your spouse? Do you pray together? Do you have a prayer journal, calendar, or note cards that prompt you in your prayers? Do you set reminders in your phone? I would love to hear any ideas or resources you use to help you with consistently praying.

If you don’t have this kind of accountability through relationships in your life, I encourage you to PRAY for that as well! First, be this person. Work on yourself and focus on Christ. Second, pray for God to send you that person that can encourage you in your faith. Run your race toward Christ and keep your eyes open. Look for someone running toward the same finish line – as fast and hard as you are.

I leave you with James 1:17, “Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights with whom there is no variation or shadow due to change.”

My spouse is a gift in my life that I don’t want to take for granted! Please remember this relationship, like any, takes WORK. It takes GRACE! It takes INTENTIONALITY! For starters pick one of the above 5 suggestions and do. the. work! It matters for eternity! Reach out to someone if it is a hard time for you and your love. We have ALL been there!! I am here if you need to talk.

Relationships, community and accountability are a gift that I want to cultivate. Train and be trained. Have multi-generational relationships where you are the one discipling and other relationships where you can be discipled by someone that has already walked through the season of life you are currently in.

Let me know in the comments if you tried something new. How did you chose to be intentional in loving and supporting your husband this week? Did you reach out to a new friend? What did you do to foster or begin accountability and growth? I am so excited to hear from you! Email me at heritagebuilder@comcast.net. Comment on the post or through social media @rootedandrestless or @solomontara If you want to subscribe to my email list to be informed of the most recent post, you can sign up below!

[contact-form-7 id=”175″ title=”Contact form 1″]

I love you 1,000 elephants!!!

Your Rooted and Restless Friend,

Tara

2 thoughts on “Iron sharpens Iron: 5 ways to grow together in Christ and build accountability”

  1. So, I finally was successful in pulling up your latest post and as expected. LOVED IT. Quite challenging and we all need a little help in stimulating healthier relationship building. As our marriage matures, it’s easy to fall into poor communication patterns. Thanks for spurring me on with your suggestions.

Leave a Comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *