Soldiers use the expression to mean, “You can’t see in every direction, but you can count on me to protect your blind side.” It also means, “I will be there for you to make sure you are safe no matter what happens.” Why is this so important? Because in war, a soldier’s life is literally in the hands of his fellow warrior.
Blind Side
You can be a mature Christian and a strong spiritual leader, but I guarantee you still have a “blind side.” Every Biblical leader – every follower of Jesus Christ - needs someone who has “their back.” I mean a small group, perhaps two or three, other men or women that not only “have your back,” but are also willing to hold you accountable. To this group, you are completely open with one another.
How to Choose
Of course, these are not random people “off the street.” You need a few men or women like you, who share the following four things with you.
1. The same passion for God, seeking the same kind of intimacy that you are.
2. The same desire to be a Christian under all circumstances.
3. The same willingness to be honest, frank, loving, and teachable.
4. The same commitment to absolute confidentiality. If you are sharing your innermost secrets, there needs to be an absolute confidentiality trust.
Good News
The great news is, if we band together in a group like this, we won’t be alone. Jesus promised to be involved in such relationships when He said that “For where two or three gather in my name, there am I with them”. (Matt. 18:19-20)
The Reason
Two or three close brothers or sisters who “watch my back,” are essential for my spiritual growth, and to help preserve my integrity because:
- We can “encourage one another and build each other up” (1 Thessalonians 5:11).
- We can learn and get guidance from each other (Proverbs 1:5).
- We can sharpen each other. “As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another” (Proverbs 27:17).
- We can confront each other when necessary, like Paul once confronted his friend Peter (Galatians 2:11-13).
The result of banding together is we will all be strengthened by each other, and ultimately, we will grow in holiness and maintain our integrity. As the Scripture affirms, “a cord of three strands is not quickly broken” (Ecclesiastes 4:12).
So, who is watching your back and whose back
are you watching?
Note: This is the fourth of five posts on the subject of Accountability. One more is coming soon. Here are the links to past posts
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