Monday's Marriage Moment -- Are You Accountable?

Only be careful that this liberty of yours [this power to choose] does not somehow become a stumbling block [that is, a temptation to sin] to the [weak in conscience].
1 Corinthians 8:9 (AMP)

We are not always right. Occasionally, we need the input and expertise of someone who knows a little more than we do and has experienced a little more. We like the support as long as the people in our circle are agreeing with us and cheering us on, but it becomes a problem when they check us or correct us. We love the cheers, but struggle with the chastisement.

So, we often shut down voices that are contrary to what we believe. We run from accountability. After all, we are free, right? Other people's opinions don't matter, do they? Who cares what they think? We are grown, right? These are the attitudes that seem predominant in our world. Yes, we are grown. Yes, we are free. However, God designed us to live in community. If you review the lives of Moses, Joshua, Paul, and Jesus you will find that they were not only accountable to God, but they were accountable to others as well. God designed us to care for each other, and if we care for each other there must be some level of accountability.

So, what does this have to do with marriage? Everything! We must be accountable to our spouses before we seek accountability elsewhere. We must be accountable for how we steward our children, our finances, and even our time together. Before we are accountable to friends, supervisors, or church leadership we must be accountable at home. We can't just leave home without letting our spouse know that we are gone. We can't spend all the money in the account and not discuss how it was spent. We can't have extramarital relationships. You are free to do all those things, but you are not free from the consequences of doing those things. Remain accountable.

Your spouse should hold you accountable, and you should hold your spouse accountable. You are in this together. Discuss the parameters of your relationship and hold each other to them. Don't fly off the handle if you are corrected or redirected. Choose the relationship over being offended, especially if you are wrong. As I mentioned earlier, we are not always right. Receive correction from your spouse who loves you and has committed to living life with you, raising children with you, and loving you unconditionally. Be accountable!