“Jesus said to his disciples: “Things that cause people to stumble are bound to come, but woe to anyone through whom they come. It would be better for them to be thrown into the sea with a millstone tied around their neck than to cause one of these little ones to stumble. So watch yourselves. If your brother or sister sins against you, rebuke them; and if they repent, forgive them. Even if they sin against you seven times in a day and seven times come back to you saying ‘I repent,’ you must forgive them.” (Luke 17:1-4)
In 1729, Charles Wesley started the Holy Club at Oxford University in England, and John quickly took over leadership. This was an early organization in which the members methodically studied Scripture and practiced the Christian life. Thus, they were called “Methodists.” They abided by 22 questions of accountability and faithfulness. Their aim was to seek the Lord together so that Christ might be made real in their lives and serve as a witness to the world. Little did they know this would begin a movement that continues 297 years later!
When I read the words of Jesus in Luke 17, I thought of the Holy Club — brothers and sisters holding one another accountable to living for and like Christ. They were grace-filled yet unwilling to allow sin to take root. They knew sin was prevalent, even among believers. That is why Jesus reminded them to rebuke a brother or sister in the faith who sins against them; and if they repent, forgive them. Not once, but over and over and over. That is the kind of grace that leads to holiness.
Each of us needs someone to whom we can confess our sins. And we need friends who will hold us accountable for what we do, say, and think. We need accountability. I have that today with several brothers who hold me to holy standards so that Christ’s witness and word might be proclaimed through me without blemish or fault.
Today, the challenge is clear: don’t walk alone. Find or deepen relationships with a few trusted brothers or sisters in Christ who will speak truth in love, ask the hard questions, and extend grace when repentance is genuine. Commit to mutual accountability — not as a burden, but as a pathway to greater holiness and a more powerful witness. Who will you invite into this kind of holy friendship this week? The world is watching, and the cause of Christ is worth it.
“O Lord God, you are good. Thank you for saving me and for allowing me to walk in the way of everlasting life. Help me to be holy as you are holy. Strengthen me, encourage me, and call me to righteous living in word and deed. For you are good and your love endures forever.” Amen.