Tag Archives: accountability

May 17
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“The servant who knows the master’s will and does not get ready or does not do what the master wants will be beaten with many blows.  But the one who does not know and does things deserving punishment will be beaten with few blows.  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.”  (Luke 12:47-48, NIV)

Accountability.

The harsh images of this passage remind us of three important things about accountability: Knowing, being, and doing.
First, we are to know the Master’s will.  As we are instructed in 2 Timothy 2:15: Study to show ourselves approved of God, a workman who need not be ashamed.”  Second, we are to be in the state of readiness.  Third, we are to do our duty in obedience to our Master’s will.  To know, to be, or to do otherwise invites rebuke.

Be diligent in both the acquisition of the tools of discipleship — and in the use of those tools for the glory of God — so that when the Master returns, you may have reason for great joy when called to give an accounting of your stewardship of time, talent, and treasure.   – Luther
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March 23
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“Do not be deceived, God is not mocked; for whatever a man sows, that he will also reap.” (Galatians 6:7, NKJV)

We need to beware of thinking — as most of the world does — that because we have “gotten by” that we have, “gotten away.”

We sin, but because we have not immediately suffered the consequences of our sin, we wrongly think that God’s law is on holiday.  This is akin to thinking that just because we have, somehow, avoided being pulled-over by the sheriff for exceeding the speed limit, that it is somehow okay to exceed the speed limit.

Don’t be fooled.  God’s law stands forever!

God’s commandments are for our protection, and for our provision.  Just because we are successful in flouting God’s law does not mean that we are wise.  We shall be called to give an accounting, whether in joy because we have obeyed; or in tears, because we have been found disobedient.  – Luther

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December 4
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“He knows about everyone, everywhere.  Everything about us is bare and wide open to the all-seeing eyes of our living God; nothing can be hidden from him to whom we must explain all that we have done.”  (Hebrews 4:13, The Living Bible)

Some people seem surprised at the capacity of today’s technology to see all, hear all, to record all — and with our inability to keep any of it a secret.

Of greater concern than the public revelation of our deeds and misdeeds to our neighbors is the fact that we each “must explain all of that we have done” to our Creator.

An important element of discipleship is accountability.  Can you and I account for how we’ve spent our years of living; or how we’ve used the gifts we’ve received; or how we’ve taken advantage of the many opportunities presented to us?  God’s word reminds us that no secret will be hidden forever; what was done in the secrecy of a basement — good or evil — shall be published to all from the rooftops, to our affirmation (good deeds) or to our shame and undoing (evil deeds).

For these reasons, do all that you can to engage with opportunities for good; to enlarge your influence for the sake of good; and to equip yourself (mentally, physically, morally, and spiritually) with the tools for the task at hand, so that you may have no reason for shame on the Day of Accountability.  – Luther

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