The Power of Accountability

The Power of Accountability!

Focus word: Accountability
Focus verse: Romans 14.12 – “So then each one of us will give an account of ourselves to God.”
Declaration: I walk responsibly before God and man; accountability strengthens my character.
Points to ponder:
1. We ultimately live before God
Acts 17 reminds us that we live in the sight of God and that nothing is hidden from Him. Paul further says (in Romans) that every believer will one day have to give an account to God; not about earning salvation but giving an account of one’s stewardship. God values time and we are to use it wisely employing our talents, blessings and opportunities. We are to use our time and talents to edify our circle of influence.  
Ecclesiastes  12.13-14 says “…. For God will bring every deed into judgement, including every hidden thing whether it is good or evil.”
2Corinthians 5.10 says, “For we must all appear before the judgement seat of Christ….” – not for punishment but for accountability.
Romans 8.1 says, “…. there is no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus.” There is an account settling or evaluation of one’s life’s works.
Luke 12. 48 says, “…. From everyone who has been given much, much will be demanded; and from the one who has been entrusted with much, much more will be asked.”
A life lived before God’s eyes is a life lived with integrity.
Remember, even those who don’t think they are accountable to God too will have to stand before His judgement seat. An illustration would be a caretaker who is accountable to a property owner as the asset is not his own. Similarly, we come into this world with nothing and leave empty handed. (1Tim 6) We are stewards in God’s sight, employing our God given gifts and talents, all the while remembering we are accountable to Him.
Life itself is a stewardship; not ownership! Ownership belongs to God.
2. Accountability protects Character
Many failures in the scriptures did not begin with major sin but began when people stopped inviting correction owing to pride.  Pride avoids accountability – to parents, spouse, church. It involves living life as one chooses; no questions asked. A dangerous scenario to the Church body.
Wisdom welcomes accountability while pride avoids it.
Proverbs 12. 15 says, “… the wise listen to advice.”
Proverbs 27.17 says, “An iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another.”
Hebrews 3.13 says, “…. Encourage one another daily, …. so that none of you may be hardened by sin’s deceitfulness.”
For the Body of Christ to function effectively, Christians, born again believers cannot be mere Sunday attendees, avoiding interaction with the fellowship on other days. The Word instructs us to encourage one another daily, operating as one Body of Christ; that our hearts may not be hardened by sin. God often protects us through godly relationships. Do not distance yourself from the Body of Christ.
Jesus continuously reminds us that we can do nothing without Him. Christ does not want to do anything without us. If we do not partner with Him, we do not progress to God’s intention for us.
Mountaineers and construction site workers never attempt a climb without a safety harness. Our fellowship with ministers and anointed people of God is the safety harness for our lives.
Healthy accountability is protection not punishment.
3. Accountability produces faithfulness is Hidden Places
True character is revealed when no one is watching. Joseph remained pure in Egypt; Daniel continued praying in Babylon even when there was no temple for God.
Having a public face and a private face is dangerous.
Psalm 139. 1-3 says, “you have searched me, Lord and you know me. You know when I sit and when I rise; you perceive my thoughts from afar. You discern my going out and my lying down; you are familiar with all my ways.”
This is not to create fear but accountability.
Colossians 3. 22-24 says, “Work sincerely, because you are serving the Lord.”
Proverbs 15.3 says, “The eyes of the Lord are everywhere, keeping watch on wicked and good.”
4. Accountability leads to Eternal reward
Jesus repeatedly reminds the importance of faithful servants and their reward. Every unseen act of obedience matters to God! It is noted. Every sacrifice, every faithful prayer, every honest decision, every act of service and help is recorded. God remembers them all!
Matthew 25.21 speaks of “Well done, good and faithful servant!”
Hebrews 6.10 reminds us that God is just and does not forget our works, love and care that we have shown to others.
1Corinthians 15.58 says, “…. Your labour in the Lord is not in vain.”
Let’s pray for God’s blessings, character transformation, faithfulness, accountability, integrity and honesty.