You can rebut this relational challenge by arguing that you already have a transparently honest relationship with God. Your life is an open book to the Lord. "I have nothing to hide," you might say...

Therein lies the problem: deception. Human beings have an almost infinite capacity for self-deception and self-justification... we tend to be hard on others and soft on ourselves... We minimize those areas in our lives that continuously thwart us by duping ourselves into thinking that with a little more effort we will stop this time. As long as the struggles in our Christian growth remained locked inside our spirit and known only by God, then patterns or strongholds of besetting sin will defeat us. 

“The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately sick; who can understand it? ‘I the Lord search the heart and test the mind, to give every man according to his ways, according to the fruit of his deeds.’” - Jeremiah 17:9-10 ESV

To the extent that we can find a safe place [with other brothers and sisters] to be who we are, then we are free to discover that unique creation waiting to be unleashed. What are three elements of transparent trust that will allow us to move gradually into the deep waters of transformation?

• Affirming one another through encouragement

• Walking with one another through difficult times

• Being a reflective listener who assists another to hear God's guidance in life's complexities

• Confessing our sins to one another that we may be healed

In [the Scriptures] we fully hear God's word to us—it's the complete story of God's self-revelation. Literally this God-breathed document is the plumb-line of truth about God, ourselves, and all matters of faith, and practice. Paul tells us it is useful for teaching, reproof, correction and training in righteousness.

• Teaching - Paul desires that Timothy feast on a body of knowledge, or a set tradition, which we generally refer to as doctrine [the essential teachings of  the Christian life]. But Paul has in mind far more than head knowledge. He means a new reality that interprets the way things are... "In the word of God, the Spirit of God has revealed the true nature of the world we live in, the true nature of man and of God, the ultimate consummation of history, the pattern of relationships and responses to God and to life which corresponds with the ways things really are."

• Reproof - First, the Scripture as a body of teaching gives us the set of glasses through which we view reality. Then, this results in the ability to see the changes that we need to make in our lives. Literally, the word reproof means to show someone his or her sin or summon the person to repentance. Scripture acts as the mirror to show us our true self over against the self we are being called to be. 

• Correction - Reproof, though, is not meant to leave us wallowing in guilt and self-condemnation... True repentance leads to the sweetness of God's cleansing mercy. This is then followed by correction. Correction means to be restored or reestablished. If reproof is the rebuke of the Spirit that exposes, then correction means to be set straight or put back on the right path. 

• Training in Righteousness - The end goal of the Scripture is to guide and provide the inner power that would lead us to a godly life. . The Scripture is the training manual for righteous living.

"All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work." - 2 Timothy 3:16-17 ESV

"All Scripture is inspired by God and is useful to teach us what is true and to make us realize what is wrong in our lives. It corrects us when we are wrong and teaches us to do what is right. God uses it to prepare and equip his people to do every good work." - 2 Timothy 3:16-17 NLT

"Every part of Scripture is God-breathed and useful one way or another—showing us truth, exposing our rebellion, correcting our mistakes, training us to live God’s way. Through the Word we are put together and shaped up for the tasks God has for us." - 2 Timothy 3:16-17 MSG

"A true spiritual friendship’s goal is to ensure that we’re loved completely. We’re not shocked at each other’s inability to live up to a Christian standard and we don’t reinforce that failure diminishes God’s acceptance of us.

Does a true spiritual friendship contain elements of accountability? Of course. It’s just not defined it.

Instead, spiritual friends help each other recognize God’s movement and promptings. They encourage each other to stay connected to the vine so that they may produce fruit. And while there may be times these kinds of friends need to say tough things to each other, it’s always with a sense of humility and love.

"Let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds. Let us not give up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but let us encourage one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching” - Hebrews 10:24–25

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Friendship needs to grow beyond the need to “give account” to others. Because ultimately, giving a report on my bad behavior is not friendship or community." - Jayson Bradley, Relevant Magazine

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"The genius of Wesley’s discipling process was centered in accountability... As disciples matured, they were invited into gender specific and much more intimate groups (3-5 members) with a much higher level of accountability.  These groups were called Bands and Select Societies.

John Wesley discovered that the best method for helping persons mature as disciples is to get them into relationships where they “watch over one another in love”.  They are characterized by:

• Life-transforming relationships based on a shared commitment as faithful disciples.  They are focused on behaving like Jesus, not just learning about Jesus

• A level of trust that allows for an openness about temptations and short-comings.  That transparency brings sin into the light of God’s grace and provides the experience of forgiveness and healing

• Accountability for obeying Jesus’ teachings. In no way is this experienced as judgment by others.  Rather, they are lived out in an environment of affirmation and shared commitment to becoming more mature disciples" - Phil Marnard