Accountability tends to be something we want to see in other people, but are not exactly keen on for ourselves. No one wants someone looking over his or her shoulder at work, home or, perhaps especially, church.

Novelist Graham Greene once speculated that the hardest thing about being a monk would be getting along with other monks. His point, I think, was that in an atmosphere of fierce passion and commitment, it would be even more challenging to live up to one another's expectations, and more tempting to criticize your companions.

Evangelist Billy Graham, who traveled the world to spread the Christian message, had a policy that he would never travel alone. He did this to protect himself from sexual temptation. And it worked. His ministry was never tainted by scandal.

In today's Gospel reading, Jesus sends his disciples out to minister in his name. "He began to send them out two by two," we're told. I used to think he sent the disciples out in pairs so that they could support one another and offer companionship. It occurs to me now that Jesus may have grouped the disciples in pairs so that they would be accountable to one another, and more likely to stay true to their calling.

In our culture, we are accustomed to fending for ourselves, and we tend to resist the kind of supervision that comes with accountability. Our faith calls us to a different way. We are baptized into a community of believers, and we are meant to both encourage and challenge one another to live our faith, both in public and private.

Believe me, I prefer anonymity in my life and in my faith. I don't really want anyone to know when I fail, and I certainly don't want to hear about it when it happens.

At the same time, I know that I need to be challenged to live up to my own expectations of myself. Accountability helps me to do that. A friend, family member or co-worker who points out when I am headed in the wrong direction can help me avoid the pain that might come from hurtful decisions.

"So they went off and preached repentance," says Mark's Gospel (6: 12-13). "The Twelve drove out many demons, and they anointed with oil many who were sick and cured them."

The pairing of the disciples seemed to work. Maybe we live better, work better and love better when we are able to help keep one another focused on our goals. Maybe God is able to do more powerful work through us when we are living in genuine community.

Accountability may not be something all of us want, but it is something that all of us need. We are more likely to be, and to become, our best selves when we are encouraging and challenging one another. If answering to other people is hard for monks, it is likely to be difficult for all of us. But it may also liberate us to live richer, more fulfilling and more fruitful lives.

Bill Peatman writes from Napa. He may be reached at bptidings@yahoo.com.