The Principle of Accountability

By Paul Chappell

"So then every one of us shall give account of himself to God. Let us not therefore judge one another any more: but judge this rather, that no man put a stumblingblock or an occasion to fall in his brother's way."

Romans 12:12–13

We live in a society that has raised avoiding responsibility to an art form. It seems like everything that happens is someone else’s fault. The criminal had a bad family background; the unemployed had a bad education; the addicted have a disease. The problem with this approach is that there can be no change for the better until we first allow ourselves to be held accountable for what we have done.

There is an old story about a Roman senator traveling across the Mediterranean Sea on a galley rowed by convicted criminals. He went from one man to the next asking why they were there. Each one protested his innocence, saying that he had been wrongfully accused or convicted. Finally he came to one man who admitted that he was responsible for the wrong he had done. The senator called the captain of the ship and said, "Release this man at once. It would be unfair for all of these innocent men to have such a criminal in their midst!"

The Apostle Paul was continually aware of the fact that one day he would render an account to God for what he had done. Under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit, he frequently refers to this day of judgment in his epistles. Knowing that one day we will stand before the Lord Jesus to have our works for Him evaluated is a powerful encouragement for us to do what we should. Even if no one else in your workplace, your home, your neighborhood, or your nation is willing to be accountable, accept the responsibility that is yours; you will find blessing as a result.

Today's Rooted Principle:

Remembering our accountability motivates us to a life of faithfulness.