Does God really hold us accountable for all our actions?

 

Accountability is giving an account of yourself to someone—where you’ve been, what you’ve been doing, who you’ve been with, how you will perform a certain task, or what your motives are. The one who is holding you accountable has the freedom, perhaps the right, to ask for a report. But don’t most of us resent it when we are fully accountable? We may feel that it restricts us and forces us to expose dark corners of our lives we’d prefer to keep hidden.

Although genuine accountability may be uncomfortable, it’s necessary, for it keeps us honest, moral, and on the right path. It urges us to do what we should do, even if we prefer not to. If we answer to no one, aren’t we free to go where our desires lead rather than where God leads—a dangerous game? 

Bosses may or may not do a good job of holding their employees accountable. Parents may or may not always do such a good job of holding their children accountable. How well do you hold yourself accountable to someone else? When we think no one is watching or no one will ask us tough questions, it’s easy to do whatever we want. We are more prone to take the wrong path. But God is watching and he does hold us accountable. Fortunately, his motives are always pure. He wants to help us do what is good and what is best for us. If what we should do is not what we want to do, it is time to discover what God wants us to do.

What kinds of things am I accountable for?

John 3:18-19

“There is no judgment against anyone who believes in him. But anyone who does not believe in him has already been judged for not believing in God’s one and only Son. And the judgment is based on this fact: God’s light came into the world, but people loved the darkness more than the light, for their actions were evil.”

John 3:36

“And anyone who believes in God’s Son has eternal life. Anyone who doesn’t obey the Son will never experience eternal life but remains under God’s angry judgment.”

Matthew 3:8

“Prove by the way you live that you have repented of your sins and turned to God.”

You are accountable for your own disobedience to God.

2 Kings 12:15

No accounting of this money was required from the construction supervisors, because they were honest and trustworthy men.

2 Kings 22:7

“But don’t require the construction supervisors to keep account of the money they receive, for they are honest and trustworthy men.”

You are accountable for your own character.

Proverbs 5:13

Oh, why didn’t I listen to my teachers? Why didn’t I pay attention to my instructors?

You are accountable for your own spiritual growth.

Matthew 12:36

“And I tell you this, you must give an account on judgment day for every idle word you speak.”

You are accountable for the words you speak.

Luke 12:43-47

If the master returns and finds that the servant has done a good job, there will be a reward. . . . But what if the servant thinks, ‘My master won’t be back for a while,’ and he begins beating the other servants, partying, and getting drunk? . . . A servant who knows what the master wants, but isn’t prepared and doesn’t carry out those instructions, will be severely punished.

You are accountable for the work you are given to do.

1 Timothy 6:17

Teach those who are rich in this world not to be proud and not to trust in their money, which is so unreliable. Their trust should be in God, who richly gives us all we need for our enjoyment.

Luke 16:11

“And if you are untrustworthy about worldly wealth, who will trust you with the true riches of heaven?”

Psalm 90:12

Teach us to realize the brevity of life, so that we may grow in wisdom.

Ephesians 5:15-16

So be careful how you live. Don’t live like fools, but like those who are wise. Make the most of every opportunity in these evil days.

You are accountable for your resources: how you spend your money, time, energy, and talents.

How do I become more accountable?

Psalm 119:9, 66

How can a young person stay pure? By obeying your word. . . . Now teach me good judgment and knowledge.

Psalm 1:1

Oh, the joys of those who do not follow the advice of the wicked.

Proverbs 27:6

Wounds from a sincere friend are better than many kisses from an enemy.

To become more accountable, commit yourself to follow God’s commands as outlined in his Word, the Bible. And choose wise friends who you can freely and safely give an account of yourself to.

What happens when there is no accountability?

Judges 17:6

The people did whatever seemed right in their own eyes.

1 Samuel 13:11-12

Saul replied, “I saw . . . you didn’t arrive when you said you would. . . . I felt compelled to offer the burnt offering myself.”

Left unaccountable, we will almost always lean toward sin. The consequences of those sins will hurt not only us but many others, including God.

How can I choose people to hold me more accountable?

1 Kings 12:8-11

But Rehoboam rejected the advice of the older men and instead asked the opinion of the young men who had grown up with him. . . . The young men replied, “[Tell them] ‘. . . My father laid heavy burdens on you, but I’m going to make them even heavier!’”

Exodus 18:21-22

“But select from all the people some capable, honest men who fear God and hate bribes. . . . They will help you carry the load, making the task easier for you.”

Friends are not always the best advisers, especially if their counsel is not consistent with God’s Word, or if they tell you only what you want to hear.

How can I effectively hold someone else accountable?

Titus 1:7-8

He must not be arrogant or quick-tempered. . . . He must live wisely and be just. He must live a devout and disciplined life.

If you are going to minister to others by holding them accountable, you must be wise, honest, godly, and trustworthy.

Is it really important for others to hold us accountable?

Proverbs 12:15

Fools think their own way is right, but the wise listen to others.

Good advisers keep us from actions that can hurt us.

What if I don’t want anyone to know certain things about me?

Jeremiah 23:24

“Can anyone hide from me in a secret place? Am I not everywhere in all the heavens and earth?” says the LORD.

What you withhold now is likely to be exposed at a later time. So why not seek advice now? Besides, God knows all the secrets in our hearts. If you’re going to take accountability seriously, you cannot hide anything from the one who you are accountable to.

Does God really hold us accountable for all our actions?

Ecclesiastes 11:9

Young people, 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.

Enjoy life, but stay within God’s guidelines. God will hold us accountable for everything we do. Who wants to explain ungodliness to a holy God on the Day of Judgment?

Thanks for reading... Do not hesitate to contact us for questions, suggestions and more.

God bless you.😀