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The following comes from the devotional book “What Now?” by Ashley Akers. To learn more, go to www.whatnowdevo.com.
Accountability
In today’s world, accountability seems to be a word we would like scratched from our dictionary. Nothing is our fault and the blame game is like a merry-go-round that makes us dizzy with confusion. When I got in trouble as a child, my mom would attempt to discipline me for what I did wrong. Lucky for me, I figured our that if I ran around her in a circle, she couldn’t keep up with me and she would eventually wear out and give up. One significant lesson came from this: Because I was rarely held accountable for my actions I figured I could just “run” from my bad choices and never have to pay the penalties.
I may have been able to execute great escapes from my mother when I was a child, but I’ve discovered over time that I can’t exactly get away with running from God. He holds us accountable for our beliefs, for our words, and for our actions.
Jesus said in John 3:18, “Whoever believes in Him [Jesus] is not condemned, but whoever does not believe is condemned already, because he has not believed in the name of the only Son of God.”
Wow, let that one sink in. Who is condemned? Whoever does not believe in Jesus! After you die you will appear before God and be judged based upon whether or not you believed in Christ. If you don’t believe, your punishment will be eternal. God doesn’t wear out and let us go punishment-free. God follows through on His word. He cannot lie. Whether you are ready or not, you will have to face your fate. Your destiny can be heaven if you choose to accept Christ. Simple. Or it will have to be hell if you reject Him.
Scripture also teaches that believers too – while they will go to heaven – still must stand before Jesus and be judged for how they lived.
As 2 Corinthians 5:10 says, “For we must all appear before the judgement seat of Christ, so that each one may receive what is due for what he has done in the body, whether good or evil.”
Matthew 12:36 says, “I tell you, on the day of judgment people will give account for every careless word they speak.”
Why does the Bible make it clear that we will be judged for even our careless words? Because our words reveal the truth of our hearts! What ugliness lurks in the deepest places of your heart? Take a moment to think about that. Yes, in Christ we enjoy the free gift of grace; but we must never use His grace as a cover for wrong beliefs, thoughts, words, or actions. We will still have to answer for God for how we lived in light of His amazing grace.
Are you ready to be held accountable for your actions whether good or bad?
Reflection Questions
- What fears do you have when you think about the day you will die and meet Jesus face to face?
- How have you been shown grace by God or another person despite your actions?
- Have you made the choice to believe in Christ and accept Him? If yes, how can you improve your relationship with Christ?
- Are there any amends you need to make with someone you have treated poorly?
Copyright © 2024 by Ashley Akers @ whatnowdevo.com. No part of this article may be reproduced or reprinted without permission in writing from Lifeword.org