Being Accountable and Responsible

by Pastor Walter Scott July 15, 2012

Hebrews 4:13

13 And there is no creature hidden from His sight, but all things are naked and open to the eyes of Him to whom we must give account.

2 Chronicles 7:14

14 if My people who are called by My name will humble themselves, and pray and seek My face, and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin and heal their land.

1 Corinthians 7:24

24 Brethren, let each one remain with God in that state in which he was called.

Who are we ultimately responsible and accountable to? Exactly what do we mean when we ask if someone has been responsible and are they accountable? What does this mean to other Christian brothers and sisters, and most importantly, what does it mean to God? If character is defined as “one of the attributes or features that make up or distinguish the individual”, what definition of character does responsibility and accountability imply? Webster’s dictionary defines “responsible” as “able to answer for one’s conduct and obligations; trustworthy”. It also “implies holding a formal organizational role, duty, or trust. It suggests imminence of retribution for unfulfilled trust or violated obligation”. “Account” is defined as “a statement of explanation of one’s conduct. A statement or exposition of reasons, causes, grounds, facts or events, or motives, a reason giving rise to an action or other result.”  “Accountable” is defined as “subject to giving an account”.

Whether we are Christians or exist only in the secular world, these character traits are highly valued and sought after. They are also not very common. I pray that you have acquired them as Christian believers, because it will be much easier for you to maintain this level of integrity. This is because we have the Bible and the Holy Spirit as our daily guide and instruction. The enemy is relentless in his quest to dishonor us and God. Woeful is the condition of the brother or sister existing in the secular world without the Light, the Rock, and the Truth of Jesus Christ.

Who and what is our moral compass and authority? The answer is God and His Word, the Bible. God is the author of Christian action and character, and the Bible is our book of instruction on how to accomplish and maintain this life. We are released from our past life and set free from the worries of this world. Death of our physical bodies will only be our release into eternal life in Heaven with God and Jesus Christ; etrnal life in Heaven with God and Jesus Christ. Believe, have impenetrable faith, always love one another, and continuously pray for understanding, wisdom, patience, power, strength and authority. Free will, given by grace through God, gives us access to all of these through belief and faith, when we choose to follow Jesus Christ.

When we make a mistake, misstep, or in a moment of weakness display bad behavior or a bad choice of words, do we take responsibility? Or do we make excuses, invent reasons, or point fingers at someone or something else? We are all accountable for our words and actions and should be responsible enough to admit fault when applicable. The following verses describe it best:

Psalm 34:13

13 Keep your tongue from evil,

And your lips from speaking deceit.

Psalm 52:2-4

2 Your tongue devises destruction,

Like a sharp razor, working deceitfully.

3 You love evil more than good,

Lying rather than speaking righteousness. Selah

4 You love all devouring words,

You deceitful tongue.

Proverbs 10:19

19 In the multitude of words sin is not lacking,

But he who restrains his lips is wise.

Proverbs 12:18-19

18 There is one who speaks like the piercings of a sword,

But the tongue of the wise promotes health.

19 The truthful lip shall be established forever,

But a lying tongue is but for a moment.

Proverbs 24:26

26 He who gives a right answer kisses the lips.

Proverbs 16:23

23 The heart of the wise teaches his mouth,

And adds learning to his lips.

Proverbs 17:20

20 He who has a deceitful heart finds no good,

And he who has a perverse tongue falls into evil.

Proverbs 21:23-24

23 Whoever guards his mouth and tongue

Keeps his soul from troubles.

24 A proud and haughty man— “Scoffer” is his name;

He acts with arrogant pride.

Proverbs 26:28

28 A lying tongue hates those who are crushed by it,

And a flattering mouth works ruin.

James 1:26

26 If anyone among you thinks he is religious, and does not bridle his tongue but deceives his own heart, this one’s religion is useless.

Matthew 12:35-37

35 A good man out of the good treasure of his heart brings forth good things, and an evil man out of the evil treasure brings forth evil things. 36 But I say to you that for every idle word men may speak, they will give account of it in the Day of Judgment. 37 For by your words you will be justified, and by your words you will be condemned.”

Luke 6:43-45

A Tree Is Known by Its Fruit

43 “For a good tree does not bear bad fruit, nor does a bad tree bear good fruit. 44 For every tree is known by its own fruit. For men do not gather figs from thorns, nor do they gather grapes from a bramble bush. 45 A good man out of the good treasure of his heart brings forth good; and an evil man out of the evil treasure of his heart brings forth evil. For out of the abundance of the heart his mouth speaks.

Are we not, in our accountability to God and our faith, also responsible and accountable to our brothers and sisters in the world? I think the following verse (spoken by Jesus) best answers this question:

Mark 16:15-18

15 And He said to them, “Go into all the world and preach the gospel to every creature. 16 He who believes and is baptized will be saved; but he who does not believe will be condemned. 17 And these signs will follow those who believe: In My name they will cast out demons; they will speak with new tongues; 18 they will take up serpents; and if they drink anything deadly, it will by no means hurt them; they will lay hands on the sick, and they will recover.”

This is our commission and we are responsible for carrying it out, and will give account for it before God.

Ezekiel 3:18-19

18 When I say to the wicked, ‘You shall surely die,’ and you give him no warning, nor speak to warn the wicked from his wicked way, to save his life, that same wicked man shall die in his iniquity; but his blood I will require at your hand. 19 Yet, if you warn the wicked, and he does not turn from his wickedness, nor from his wicked way, he shall die in his iniquity; but you have delivered your soul.

This does not mean that we are to forcefully speak or act. This activity has pushed many potential Christian brothers and sisters away from Jesus Christ. We also should never judge or ignorantly draw conclusions about anyone, as we are told in scripture:

Romans 3:22-23

22 even the righteousness of God, through faith in Jesus Christ, to all and on all who believe. For there is no difference; 23 for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God

Romans 14:10-12

10 But why do you judge your brother? Or why do you show contempt for your brother? For we shall all stand before the judgment seat of Christ.[a] 11 For it is written:

“As I live, says the Lord,

Every knee shall bow to Me,

And every tongue shall confess to God.”

12 So then each of us shall give account of himself to God.

Everything we say or do should be based on the truth and love of Jesus Christ. God will grace our efforts if we respect this approach.

Matthew 22:37-40

37 Jesus said to him, “‘You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind.’ 38 This is the first and great commandment. 39 And the second is like it: ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself.’ 40 On these two commandments hang all the Law and the Prophets.”

Be, show, and express the love of God. We are all responsible for and accountable to all our brothers and sisters, Christian or not. But we are especially accountable to the Body of Christ which are believers in the church. Be responsible and accountable to and for yourself. If you can’t do this first, you will be of no help to anyone else or to God. Be responsible for and accountable to your family. They need you for everything, and are your most important legacy. Last, and most important, be responsible and accountable to and for God. Amen.

Romans 12:21

21 Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.

John 16:33

33 These things I have spoken to you, that in Me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world.”

1 John 5:5

5 Who is he who overcomes the world, but he who believes that Jesus is the Son of God?