We will give an account for everything that we say and do. This is the danger of conforming to the world, giving an account of our actions. If we believe in the one God, an all-powerful, all-knowing, and all-seeing God, we must also believe God knows who we are and what we do; otherwise, our belief is fiction. Nevertheless, no matter how we excuse and justify what we say and do, every individual is responsible for their behavior. We do not say this on our authority; the Bible defines accountability.
Scripture says, "Each of us will give an account of ourselves to God” (Rom. 14:12). We have been warned more than once. Matthew also warned us about what we say. He said, "On the day of judgment, people will have to account for every careless word they speak” (Matt. 12:36). Some people think they can say anything; they are always ready to give someone a piece of their mind. The Lord wants you to know that “by your words you will be acquitted, and by your words you will be condemned” (Matt. 12:37).
King Solomon also warned us about this, saying God shall bring every work and secret thing into judgment, whether good or evil (Eccles. 12:14). If we do not stop what we are doing and turn back, our fate will be more severe than that of Sodom and Gomorrah. People have a laundry list of excuses they use to avoid accountability. The Bible is filled with stories of men and women who tried to place the blame on someone else—Eve tried to blame the serpent; Adam tried to blame Eve and God.
We must be careful that our freedom does not become a stumbling block for those who are immature in the faith (1 Cor. 8:9). Do not pass judgment on those whose knowledge is lacking, whose faith is weak, or a physical disability cripples them. “So, let’s stop condemning each other. Decide instead to live in such a way that you will not cause another believer to stumble and fall” (Rom. 14:13). Adam could have prevented his fall by obeying God. Ananias and Sapphira could have prevented their deaths by telling the truth about their money. Blessed is the man or woman who does not condemn themselves by what they approve. You may not commit adultery, but do you plot for a friend who does? You may not steal, but do you cover up for a co-worker who does?
Examine Yourself! Do not curse the deaf because they cannot hear. Do not consume alcohol in the presence of an alcoholic. Do not overindulge in food if a friend is dieting. If you consider yourself strong in the faith, then be willing to bear the burdens of the weak as long as your actions comply with the Word of God. Be sure of your beliefs; follow your conscience because you will give an account.
Minister Nettie Pennington,
Associate Minister, Springfield MB Church
