Discover how accountability can transform your physical, spiritual, and emotional health. Learn practical tips, biblical insights, and real-life stories to inspire your wellness journey.
While many think the phrase “being held accountable” sounds like judgment for doing something wrong, I’ve learned that it’s actually a good thing. After being involved in First Place for Health for over 30 years, I’ve learned that being held accountable helps me in the areas where I struggle and I find it both healthy and inspiring.
My accountability journey started when a dear friend and saint from our church was rushed away by EMS in respiratory distress. My husband – who is also our church pastor – left for the hospital immediately to be there with the family. Left alone and anxious in an empty house, I started with the left-over meat loaf, then moved on to crackers and brie, then, half a Hershey bar, a bowl of ice cream, the other half of the Hershey bar, and finally…the fuzzy remains of a box of Hot Tamales! What in the world was going on with me?
Something deep in my soul got scared. I felt so afraid that I would not be able to bear the grief of loss if my friend died. I certainly was not hungry. But I needed reassurance. I needed quick comfort. I needed company. There was no one around, so I chose food. There it was - this old habit of gluttony was waiting at the door for me to let my guard down and wow, did I let it down. You may be able to relate, thinking that food will solve the problem.
So now what do I do? Just keep it a secret and move on? Or … reach out to a trusted friend and confess? I called not one but two of my close friends who I knew I could trust. The Bible tells us in James 5:16 (NIV) “Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective.” They listened, prayed and encouraged me.
After thirty plus years of encouraging others to stay the course on their wellness journeys, you would think I’d have it all together. None of us have it all together. I didn’t want to make that phone call, but I also knew I did not want to slip back into an unhealthy relationship with food. I needed some accountability.
If you are struggling to stay committed to your wellness goals, you might be surprised to know that accountability can play an important role in reaching those goals. It’s one of the reasons Medi-Share places so much emphasis on the idea of community and bearing one another’s burdens – the accountability that comes along with that benefits everyone. Medi-Share has a few Wellness Programs that provide this accountability for its members. Their Biblical Wellness Program is offered to all members, with a great library of wellness content and courses that are rooted in God’s word. They also have a Health Partner Program which offers members who are at higher risk for more serious health conditions a robust portal with interactive content, condition-based courses and even access to certified health coaches.
In fact, one of Medi-Share’s members, Martha, shared about the impact of the accountability she received through Medi-Share’s Health Partner program: “With the help, coaching, and encouragement of my coach, I started making some wonderful changes in my diet and lifestyle. She helped me set some goals for myself each time we talked and would hold me accountable. Thank you so very much for walking with me on my journey to better health!”
Sherry Leggett, author of First Place for Health Bible study, Walking in Wisdom[1], shares the value of accountability:
“One of the best ways to build discipline and fight temptation is to learn accountability. Research also underlines the considerable influence of spouses and friends in maintaining healthy habits.” Over 77 percent of respondents attest to the positive impact their partners have on their overall well-being, with 34 percent relying on best friends and 28 percent enlisting the support of coworkers.
The impact provided by this level of accountability:
- 62 percent make healthier dietary choices
- 59 percent are motivated to exercise more
- 34 percent rely on their best friends for accountability in their eating habits
- 54 percent said accountability partners encouraged them to save money
- 53 percent helped them practice self-love
- 41 percent helped them maintain a general, cheerful outlook on life.[2]
Here's the deal: the word accountability or accountability partner is not in the Bible. But the overarching principle is contained throughout. A beautiful example of the principle of accountability is found in Ecc. 4:9-10 (NIV) “Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their labor: If either of them falls down, one can help the other up. But pity anyone who falls and has no one to help them up.”
Who would be the best person to have as an accountability partner? Someone who cares for you, wants the best for you, someone who will walk with you, someone who loves God and loves the Scripture. They would be the ones best to point you to the truth in love. If you don’t have someone like that in your life, ask God to bring you that kind of person.
What would be your role in the partnership?
- Give permission to your partner to ask questions. This may feel a little scary but someone who loves you and is trustworthy can help you identify weaknesses. They can kindly help you with redirection.
- Be real. We all struggle. When you decide to share honestly you will realize you are not alone. Being real about the struggle brings the struggle into the light and the light brings hope.
- Ask for input. The Bible encourages us to seek wise counsel in decision making.
- Be courageous – pick up the phone and make the call.
Establishing a safe and healthy accountability plan may take time, but the reward is great. You will experience a sense of belonging, security and encouragement. And have a much better chance of reaching those important goals regarding wellness, financial management, spiritual growth or any other areas where you desire self-improvement.
Later that same week my friend did leave this world to be with Jesus. Because of the strong accountability and support in my life, I was okay. And you will be, too.
[1] Leggett, S., 2025, Walking in Wisdom, ISBN: 9781942425540, First Place for Health
[2] Sherrie Leggett, Walking in Wisdom, p. 29
