Accountability

Life Lessons: Accountability

Genesis 9:1—10:32

SITUATION: God promised that he would never again destroy the earth with a flood. A rainbow would follow rain as a reminder that God keeps his promises. Man must treat all living creatures well.

OBSERVATION: God created a special covenant with humans that gave them dominance over the earth, yet made them accountable to God for each action.

INSPIRATION: There’s hardly a more sobering statement in Scripture than Romans 14:12: “So then, each one of us will give an account of himself to God.” The words “each one of us” applies to Christians and non-Christians alike. And though believers will be saved by grace and not by works, once in Heaven our reward will be determined on the basis of our works. The Lord will “test the quality of each man’s work,” and for each it will be either that “he will receive his reward” or “he will suffer loss; he himself will be saved, but only as one escaping through the flames” (1 Corinthians 3:13-15)… Jesus said, “But I tell you that men will have to give account on the Day of Judgment for every careless word they have spoken” (Matthew 12:36). If we must give an account to God for every word spoken, surely we must give an account for every hour spent carelessly (that is, wastefully, negligently)…. The wise response to such truth is to evaluate your use of time now and spend it in a way that you would like to hear at the Judgment. And if you cannot answer your conscience regarding how you use your time in the growth of Christlikeness now, how will you be able to answer God then? 

APPLICATION: In what areas do you need accountability? Prayer time? Bible study? Sharing your faith? Pick an area in your life that needs improvement. Find someone to hold you accountable to help you make the changes God wants.

EXPLORATION: Accountability: Matthew 12:36; Romans 14:10-12; Hebrews 13:17