21 Accountability Questions for Christians

When I was nine years old, my pastor gave me his pocketknife as a gift. I still have it to this day, and it makes me smile when I think of his kindness to me. My Dad taught me how to sharpen the knife with a sharpening stone. What makes a knife sharper is the combination of friction, heat, and very close contact.

In Proverbs 27:17, Solomon said, "As iron sharpens iron, so one man sharpens another."
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When believers form a close relationship for "sharpening" one another, we call this accountability. 

​God intended for us to share our lives in the context of community. The natural result is spiritual growth. Today, accountability is the missing discipleship component in most Christian's lives. No one is watching out for their soul. They are not open, honest, and vulnerable with anyone. 

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In all of the New Testament writings, there is no concept of Christianity lived in isolation. This idea would have been foreign to the Apostles.

Acts 2:44 says, "All the believers were together..."

Accountability provides so much spiritual growth because it allows for a safe place for us to be honest, confess our sins, celebrate our victories, pray for one another, and share what we are learning. Together we process what God is doing in our lives. We wrestle with the Scripture and how to apply it to our lives. We are not alone on the journey.

So, how do we find this much-needed accountability?

• Pray and ask God to lead you to a trusted person and ask them to form an accountability relationship.
• Decide on a time, place, and frequency of meeting. It doesn't have to be in person. One of my accountability partners and I have agreed to text each other every morning. This agreement has strengthened my relationship with God.
• With your accountability partner, discuss how you both want to grow spiritually?
• Decide on a set of goals to accomplish or questions you will ask.
• Commit to praying for one another.

The accountability relationship doesn't have to be in person. You could talk by phone, zoom, or even text. A close friend and I have texted each other every morning for the past five years. I can't begin to tell you how much this relationship has strengthened my walk with God.

Now that you have decided to begin growing through an accountability relationship, here is a list of questions to consider using (in no particular order). As you meet for accountability, pick a question or two you will discuss.

1. Are you finding consistency in your daily time with God?
2. What are you learning about God? And yourself?
3. What steps of faith are you taking in obedience to Christ?
4. Are there areas of your life that are hindering spiritual growth?
5. Where are you growing in the fruit of the Spirit?
6. Have you been faithful in your church attendance and participation?
7. How are you making your family a priority in your life?
8. What temptations are you facing? 
9. Are you enjoying time with God in prayer?
10. Is there anything you need to surrender to God?
11. Have your words and attitude reflected Christ this week?
12. Have you viewed any sexually explicit material this week?
13. What Bible verses are you memorizing?
14. Are you honoring God with how you handle your finances?
15. Are you withholding forgiveness from someone?
16. How are you showing love and care for your family?
17. Where are you giving your time, talents, and treasure to serve the Lord?
18. Is there an area of your life in which you are fighting discouragement?
19. Who's salvation are you praying for? With whom are you sharing your faith?
20. What blessings are you grateful for today?
21. Have you been honest in your answers?

Accountability relationships are developed over time. As trust grows, the connection deepens, and it provides a tool for spiritual growth. Take it slow and keep the focus on inspiring one another towards being more like Jesus.

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