Tag Archives: accountability

April 4
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“Speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves, for the rights of all who are destitute.” (Proverbs 31:8, NIV)

Are you and I channels, or are we reservoirs?

Reservoirs are designed to take-in and hold.  Channels give as they receive. God expects us to be the latter.

Today’s scripture reminds us of our responsibility to expend the “capital” we’ve received (whether it be time, talent, or treasure) for the benefit of others — particularly those who are destitute or disenfranchised. God blesses us in order that we might bless in His name those who have not.

Jesus came to the lost, the least, and the last.  As His disciples, we can do no more; and we should do no less.  – Luther

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March 26
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“Since you call on a Father who judges each person’s work impartially, live out your time as foreigners here in reverent fear.” (1 Peter 1:17, NIV)

In today’s scripture, Peter reminds the reader of two important things: (1) We are foreigners (some translations read “pilgrims”) on this earth. Heaven — not earth — is our home.  We are, for a time, merely visitors here; and (2) We need to live each day of our lives in “reverent fear.”

Contrary to what the world would have us believe, fear is not a bad trait. The problem is that we too often fear the things and people we should pay no mind; and we pay no mind to the things that we ought to fear.

For example, a fear of electricity is warranted. Although we use electrical power every day, we observe and teach others a reverence for it that keeps us from abusing it. Such an attitude is not a bad thing.  In fact, this “reverent fear” may have kept us from destroying ourselves by accidental electrocution!

As pilgrims on this spinning sphere, we need to keep in mind that our time is short, and our opportunities for good are constantly opposed by evil.  If only for these reasons, live in “reverent fear.”  Our heavenly Father is awesome in His power, yet He deals with us with gentleness and grace.  – Luther

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March 18
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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 often do not immediately suffer the consequences of our sin, we think that we have gotten away with sinning.  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 or that laws against speeding are never enforced.

Don’t be fooled. Unlike the sheriff in the illustration above, we shall have to answer to God for all of our transgressions.

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 a full and complete accounting, whether in joy because we have obeyed and Christ stands with us; or in tears, because we have sinned and have no Defender.  – Luther

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