Accountable
I believe everyone is accountable to someone. For example, we are all accountable to the laws of the land. We are accountable to drive a certain speed in certain zones. We are accountable to how we treat one another. I can just walk up to a guy who is being a jerk and punch him in the mouth – that could be considered “assault”. I am accountable in multiple areas of my life. I’m accountable to God for my actions and even my thoughts. He knows EVERYTHING about me. I’m accountable to my wife. She’s my life partner. I’ve made a deep commitment to her on multiple levels. I’m accountable to her and she is accountable to me.
Accountability at its core is about responsibility. I must be able to justify my actions when faced with certain circumstances.
As I’m reading through the book of Job, one of his friends seems to speak to accountability of people who disregard God and disobey Him if they do know Him. Check this out…
19 For they oppressed the poor and left them destitute.
They foreclosed on their homes.
20 They were always greedy and never satisfied.
Nothing remains of all the things they dreamed about.
21 Nothing is left after they finish gorging themselves.
Therefore, their prosperity will not endure.
22 “In the midst of plenty, they will run into trouble
and be overcome by misery.
27 The heavens will reveal their guilt,
and the earth will testify against them.
29 This is the reward that God gives the wicked.
It is the inheritance decreed by God.” (Job 20:19-22,27,29 NLT)
In layman terms, accountability means that “my actions count to me”. I want to be very open and honest before the Lord – after all He knows all there is to know about me. He knows me better than anyone. He doesn’t just see my actions – He sees and knows of the motives behind the actions.
It is sometimes hard to confess a mistake or own a “screw-up”. I know me. I know when I stumble. I know when I make a mistake. It takes great courage to own it. I see accountability as a positive way to keep healthy boundaries around me. If I had no accountability, I’d do whatever I “felt” like doing. The problem is – my feelings lie to me. My feelings are fickle. My feelings take no responsibility. My actions are what I’m held accountable for. My feelings are fleeting. My feelings are sometimes inappropriate, but not destructive until they turn into action.
I think it’s wise to confess everything before the Lord. I think it’s wise to speak with Him about everything. He is the Great Counselor. He is a Compassionate Father. He is my Faithful Friend. He is totally patient, kind and trustworthy. He is full of Grace and Truth. Accountability can’t exist without grace and truth!
Pressing On!
Dwayne