The Men of Iron Minute

by Chad Zueck | Director of Content Creation

Four Keys to Accountability

Accountability needs a baseline or a standard of agreement. If a man says, “I need an accountability partner,” the next question that bears asking is, “Accountability in what area, and are you willing to commit to the process?” Accountability needs a plumb line so expectations can be met and feedback can be given. Though mentorship language is not used, Paul, the Apostle, gave 12 guiding principles that could be applied as a baseline of behavior while in a mentorship, marriage, or any other bonded agreement. Check out his assertion, “Love must be sincere. Hate what is evil; cling to what is good. Be devoted to one another in brotherly love. Honor one another above yourselves. Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervor, serving the Lord.”^[1]

From this passage, we can borrow four different guiding principles, and in this week’s blogs, we will offer eight more to add to your repertoire.

• #1 – Love sincerely
• #2 – Cling to the good
• #3 – Honor graciously
• #4 – Serve Zealously

Love sincerely is rooted in an “other’s first” kind of love. This love is something you do, not something you feel. Agape is a decision. This love is in response to God’s love poured out for us. Agape is costly.

Cling to the good of God’s plan for your life and purpose in the world. If it’s morally, spiritually, and ethically sound, keep it. If not, toss it.

Honor graciously confronts evil and encourages the good. It honors God and His Word and opposes anything that tears down friendship, relationship, or mentorship.

Serve zealously as one appointed by God. As a messenger of God, stand as a servant of the highest so you can do the best.

What other founding principles have you found reliably helpful?

Be a mentor.

Find a mentor.

Be a better man.

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^[1] The Holy Bible: New International Version (Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan, 1984), Ro 12:9–11.