Tag Archives: accountability

December 31
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New Year’s Eve

“To him who is able to keep you from stumbling and to present you before his glorious presence without fault and with great joy — to the only God our Savior be glory, majesty, power and authority, through Jesus Christ our Lord, before all ages, now and forevermore!  Amen.”  (Jude 1:24-25, NIV)

Jude’s benediction — his letter’s final words — are a fitting close to this year.

There are things we’ve done this year that we wish we hadn’t done; there are opportunities we’ve left unexplored, but we need not despair: It is Jesus alone Who is able to present us to the ultimate Judge “without fault and with great joy.”

None of us knows what the New Year holds, but we need not despair: Through it all, and at the end of all; He is able to keep us from stumbling, both now and forevermore!  – Luther

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November 23
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“Speak and act as those who are going to be judged by the law that gives freedom, because judgment without mercy will be shown to anyone who has not been merciful.  Mercy triumphs over judgment.”  (James 2:12-13, NIV)

The disciple of Jesus should endeavor to be merciful in all of his or her judgments because the measure by which we judge others shall be used to judge us; and the mercy we extend to others shall be returned to us.

This does not mean that we should ever excuse evil, or turn a blind eye to wrongdoers. Yet, even the harshest judgments — rightfully made — can be tempered with mercy if sympathy is shown, and if the doorway to reconciliation is left open.

The disciple of Jesus speaks and acts as one whose words and deeds shall be called to account in both this world, and in the world to come.  – Luther

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November 2
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“Nothing in all creation is hidden from God’s sight.  Everything is uncovered and laid bare before the eyes of him to whom we must give account.”  (Hebrews 4:13, NIV)

“Character” is often defined as “who you are when no one else is looking.”  Be certain of this: Someone else is always looking.

The kind of things we would say about someone if that person were listening; the kind of things we would do if we knew that we would see it replayed on television or on “You Tube”; and the places we would go (or not go) if we were never alone, form the basis accountable behavior.

Trouble, embarrassment, and ruin are certain when individuals, organizations, and governments cease being ever mindful of the fact that each is accountable, regardless of perceived power, prestige, or privacy.

The wise person is mindful that every day of his or her life is “on the books.”  – Luther

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