Accountability

When God created humanity, He created TWO people, man and woman, to help each other. Some think of the help only in human terms; cooking, cleaning, sewing, you get the idea. BUT what was really taking place was a system of accountability that human beings would need in order to find Christ. Of course, Jesus Christ reveals Himself to us, rather than us finding Him. However, if left to our own devices, we imperfect human beings fall to temptation. Eve was alone with she fell to the devil’s temptation. Cain was alone when he killed his brother and hid from God. And most of us are alone when we sin, or at least momentarily not accountable.

There is an old Greek saying, “The celibate priest has his abbot, and the married priest, his Presvytera.” We are only truly human IN RELATIONSHIP with another human being. In this way we help each other remain faithful to Jesus Christ. If only Eve had remained at Adam’s side, things might be different.

As Orthodox Christians, accountability is taken seriously through the practice of a Spiritual Father, who through a relationship of accountability guides us in our spiritual life toward God. The Church, in her wisdom has established the practice of Holy Confession not only for the forgiveness of sins, but for the guidance of each member of the Church toward God. Jesus Christ appointed His Holy Apostles as Overseers (Bishops) of the Church to keep the People of God accountable. The Holy Apostles kept each other accountable by requiring ALL doctrine to be confirmed by the Church. The Clergy is accountable to the Laity, and the Laity to the Clergy. Priests are accountable to the Hierarchy. The Hierarchs are accountable to the Synod. The Synod is accountable to the global Church. The global Church is accountable to God. To whom are you accountable?

Before it’s too late, find a spiritual father who can guide your journey toward God.

This post is written for the 40 Days of Blogging Challenge sponsored by the Preachers Institute. You may find other blogs participating in this challenge. I hope you enjoy this year’s Advent journey.