Accountability

 

How do I become more accountable? Avoid listening to the wicked. Spend your time thinking about God’s Word.

·        Psalms 1:1-2 Oh, the joys of those who do not follow the advice of the wicked, or stand around with sinners, or join in with scoffers. 2 But they delight in doing everything the Lord wants; day and night they think about his law.

 

Have faith in and trust God’s commands. They will teach you good judgment and knowledge.

·        Psalms 119:9, 66 How can a young person stay pure? By obeying your word and following its rules….I believe in your commands; now teach me good judgment and knowledge.

 

Choose your friends wisely and then listen to their counsel.

  • Proverbs 27:6 Wounds from a friend are better than many kisses from an enemy.

 

What happens when there is no accountability? When there is no standard, no accountability we will inevitably fall prey to relativism and chaos.

  • Judges 17:6 In those days Israel had no king, so the people did whatever seemed right in their own eyes.

 

Left unaccountable, we will always lean toward sin and we will pay the price.

  • 1 Samuel 13:11-12  but Samuel said, “What is this you have done?” Saul replied, “I saw my men scattering from me, and you didn’t arrive when you said you would, and the Philistines are at Micmash ready for battle. 12So I said, ‘the Philistines are ready to march against us, and I haven’t even asked for the Lord’s help!’ So I felt obliged to offer the burnt offering myself before you came.” 13“How foolish!” Samuel exclaimed. “You have disobeyed the command of the Lord your God. Had you obeyed, the Lord would have established your kingdom over Israel forever.

 

How can we choose people to hold us accountable? Our closest friends may not always be the best advisers, especially if their counsel is not consistent with God’s word.

  • 1 Kings 12:8-10 But Rehoboam rejected the advice of the elders and instead asked the opinion of the young men who had grown up with him and who were now his advisers.

 

How can I effectively hold someone else accountable? If we are going to serve others by holding them accountable, we must be wise, honest, godly, and trustworthy.

  • Exodus 18:21-22 But find some capable, honest men who fear God and hate bribes. Appoint them as judges over groups of one thousand, one hundred, fifty, and ten. 22These men can serve the people, resolving all the ordinary cases. Anything that is too important or too complicated can be brought to you. But they can take care of the smaller matters themselves. They will help you carry the load, making the task easier for you.
  • Titus 1:7-9 An elder must live a blameless life because he is God’s minister. He must not be arrogant or quick-tempered; he must not be a heavy drinker, violent, or greedy for money. 8He must enjoy having guests in his home and must love all that is good. He must live wisely and be fair. He must live a devout and disciplined life. 9He must have a strong and steadfast belief in the trustworthy message he was taught; then he will be able to encourage others with right teaching and show those who oppose it where they are wrong.

 

Does God really hold us accountable for all our actions? Yes. So enjoy life, but stay within God’s guidelines.

  • Ecclesiastes 11:9 Young man, it’s wonderful to be young! Enjoy every minute of it. Do everything you want to do; take it all in. But remember that you must give an account to God for everything you do.

 

God will hold us accountable for everything we do, and who wants to explain ungodliness to a holy God on the Day of Judgment?

  • Hebrews 9:27 And just as it is destined that each person dies only once and after that comes judgment,
  • Ecclesiastes 12:13 Here is my final conclusion: Fear God and obey his commands, for this is the duty of every person. 14God will judge us for everything we do, including every secret thing, whether good or bad.

 

A Conversation With God on Accountability

Lord, I have worked hard all my life, and I’ve noticed that good people will many times be overlooked and people that aren't righteous or even hard working will be promoted. Why is that? Surely that isn’t fair?

 

Don’t bother your head with braggarts or wish you could succeed like the wicked. In no time they’ll shrivel like grass clippings and wilt like the cut flowers in the sun. Get insurance with Me and do a good deed, settle down and stick to your last. Keep Me company, get in on the best. Open up with Me, keep nothing back; I’ll do whatever needs to be done: I’ll validate your life in the clear light of day and stamp you with approval at high noon. Quiet down before Me, be prayerful. Don’t bother with those who climb the ladder, who elbow their way to the top. Bridle your anger, trash your wrath, cool your pipes – it only makes things worse. Before long the crooks will be bankrupt; God-investors will soon own the store. Before you know it, the wicked will have had it; you’ll stare at his once famous place and – nothing! (Psalm 37:1-10)

 

So…how do I get ahead? I want to be considered leadership material. How do I become more accountable?

 

Start with Me – the first step in learning is bowing before Me; only fools thumb their noses at such wisdom and learning. Live a clean life by reading the map of my Word. Be single-minded in your pursuit of Me; don’t miss the road signs I’ve posted. The insolent may ridicule you without mercy, but don’t budge from My revelation. Watch for My ancient landmark words, and you’ll know you’re on the right track. I’ll like you when you don’t hang out at Sin Saloon, don’t slink along Dead-End Road, and don’t go to Smart-Mouth College. If bad companions tempt you, don’t go along with them. If they say – “Lets go out and raise some hell. Let’s beat up some old man, mug some old woman. Let’s pick them clean and get them ready for their funerals. We’ll load up on top-quality loot. We’ll haul it home by the truckload. Join us for the time of your life! With us, it’s share and share alike!” – Oh, friend, don’t give them a second look; don’t listen to them for a minute. They’re racing to a very bad end, hurrying to ruin everything they lay hands on. When you grab all you can get, that’s what happens: the more you get, the less you are. Instead, thrill to My word, and chew on Scripture day and night. Then you’ll be as a tree replanted in Eden, bearing fresh fruit every month, never dropping a leaf, always in blossom. You’re not at all like the wicked, who are mere windblown dust – without defense in court, unfit company for innocent people. I chart the road you must take. The road they take is Skid Row. (Proverbs 1:7-19; Psalm 119:9, 66; 1:1-6)

 

How do I choose friends who will be able to hold me accountable? What should I look for in a mentor?

 

Appoint a competent leader who respects Me and is trustworthy and honest. Is he well thought-of? Are his children believers? Do they respect him and stay out of trouble? It’s important that he be looked up to – not pushy, not short-tempered, not a drunk, not a bully, not money hungry. He must welcome people, be helpful, wise, fair, reverent, have a good grip on himself, and have a good grip on the Message. Two people cannot walk together unless they are in agreement. Don’t become partners with those who reject Me. How can you make a partner ship out of right and wrong? That’s not partnership, that’s war. Is Light a best friend with Dark? Does Christ go strolling with the Devil? Do Trust and Mistrust hold hands? If you do this you’re cheating on Me. If all you want is your own way, flirting with the world every chance you get, you end up My enemies. And do you suppose I don’t care? The proverb has it that “He’s a fiercely jealous lover.” Become wise by walking with the wise; hang out with fools and watch your life fall to pieces. Practice My law – and you’ll get a reputation for wisdom; hang out with a loose crowd – embarrass your family. Escape quickly from the company of fools; they’re a waste of your time, a waste of your words. Don’t hang out with angry people; don’t keep company with hotheads. Bad temper is contagious – don’t get infected. Instead, observe people who are good at their work – skilled workers are always in demand and admired; they don’t take a back seat to anyone. A true friend will love through all kinds of weather, and families stick together in all kinds of trouble. Remember, the wounds from a loved one are worth it; kisses from an enemy will do you in. (Exodus 18:21; Titus 1:7-8; Amos 3:3, 2 Corinthians 6:14-15;James 4:4-6; Proverbs 13:20; 28:7; 14:7; 22:24-25, 29; 17:17; 27: 6)

 

Do you really hold us accountable? Some people feel you’re a lot looser in your standards that we think. They feel that everyone can pretty much count on your approval.

 

Everyone has to die once, then face the consequences. Make the most of your youth. Relish your youthful vigor. Follow the impulses of your heart. If something looks good to you, pursue it. But know also that not just anything goes; you will have to answer to Me for every last bit of it. (Hebrews 9: 26; Ecclesiastes 11:9)