CHECK AND BE CHECKED

1 Peter 5:1-4
Holy Bible. New Living Translation copyright © 1996, 2004 by Tyndale Charitable Trust.

Advice for Elders and Young Men

1 And now, a word to you who are elders in the churches. I, too, am an elder and a witness to the sufferings of Christ. And I, too, will share in his glory when he is revealed to the whole world. As a fellow elder, I appeal to you: 2 Care for the flock that God has entrusted to you. Watch over it willingly, not grudgingly—not for what you will get out of it, but because you are eager to serve God. 3 Don’t lord it over the people assigned to your care, but lead them by your own good example. 4 And when the Great Shepherd appears, you will receive a crown of never-ending glory and honor.

In this passage, Peter is speaking specifically to elders of the church, yet I believe there is universal application. We all need to check our own behavior and be accountable for that behavior among our peers.

Peter gave these leaders some necessary counsel. “as a shepherd of God’s flock, you too have a Shepherd.” The Bible urges accountability. Each person needs other good people with whom they can be honest and accountable.

At one accountability group meeting, the members respond to three questions each month:

1. What good have you done?
   
2. Have you done anything or are you struggling with doing anything that would displease God?
3. Have you told us the truth today?
   

We all need face-to-face accountability with a few close confidants!