Miles McNair

Everyone wants authenticity. If you happen to see a poll on what people want in a church, authenticity often ranks up near the top of the list. People say they want authenticity from the pulpit and from the church, and they want authentic relationships.

One thing I have found, however, is that people want more authenticity from other people and not so much from themselves. It is far easier to hear others being open and honest about their lives than it is for you or me to be open and honest about our spiritual well-being with others. Being forthright with our condition is painful to the flesh but necessary for growth in Christ as true fellowship and real accountability begins when we enter into relationships that push and draw us to Christ. David had Nathan and Jonathan. Elijah had Elisha, and the apostles had the best accountability partner of all in Jesus Christ himself. 

What you find with each of these examples is when these individuals, these heroes of the faith, isolate themselves from those who are holding them accountable to the word and way of God, they falter. David is taken in adultery, Elijah thinks of death before Elisha comes along and the apostles all try and quit after the resurrection. What made the difference in these individuals' lives is accountability to the word of God through somebody who was bold enough, and loved their friend enough to tell them when they were slipping.

So my question to you is this; who is holding you accountable to the Christ in your life? And in the other direction, who are you coming alongside and helping seek the kingdom of God? If you can’t think of anybody for either of these questions then I would suggest you have some work to do in building authentic relationships and developing the kind of biblical friendships that push you towards the high calling that is in Christ Jesus.

Do you know where a good place is to start doing this … you guessed it, it's the church. The God-established institution put on this earth to glorify God and help conform you to the image of Christ. With that said, I guess I’ll see you on Sunday.

(Miles McNair is the connections pastor at New Life Church of Powell.)