ACCOUNTABILITY

I Was Just Thinking About – ACCOUNTABILITY.

Why is it that the society and culture has allowed itself to drift into a posture where accountability seems to be unknown, ignored or never considered? There seems to be an absence of any historical context as words are used without any thought being given to what they have meant in the past, as well as in the present. Words are spoken publicly without any thought about the consequence for them. Two frequently used words are “Racism” and “Nazi.” Very often, they are used by people who were born after the struggles and near-world conquest by Nazi Germany during World War II. In like manner, the struggles, primarily in the South, regarding racial issues was painful, causing suffering and death.

In a totally different context are church-related matters that have arisen. In all denominations and religious sectors, there has been the collapse of moral standards and values. In some circles, pedophilia has dominated. In others, it has included immorality, pornography, facilitation of prostitution, etc. There have been arrests and felony charges brought against some. Others have been removed from ministry and defrocked. The question remains: How seriously does the “church” view such behavior and actions? An additional question: How seriously do those who have engaged in such behavior view accountability – especially before God. What does Jesus think about the words spoken and the behavior practiced?

Jesus spoke and said to all, Matthew 12:34-37, “Out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaks…I tell you, on the day of judgment people will give account for every careless word they speak, for by your words you will be justified, and by your words you will be condemned.” James 1:22 reminds all, “But be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves.” Do the so-called “Biblical Christians” always apply and uphold the words of Jesus and James? Answer: No!

There is a current trend where ministers who have been removed from ministry have followed a “self-restoration – no accountability” path and declare themselves fit for ministry. They have not shown signs of Biblical repentance. There is no use of Psalm 32 and Psalm 51 to address the gravity of their sin and sinful behavior. Naïve and gullible “Christians” take up their defense, attend their “church”, and support their causes. Is this a mark of where we have arrived when looking at eternal verities and God’s timetable? 

Jesus addressed the end times – days of tribulation and judgment - in Matthew 24:22-26, “And if those days had not been cut short, no human being would be saved. But for the sake of the elect those days will be cut short. Then if anyone says to you, Look, here is the Christ! or There he is! do not believe it.  For false christs and false prophets will arise and perform great signs and wonders, so as to lead astray, if possible, even the elect. See, I have told you beforehand. So, if they say to you: Look, he is in the wilderness, do not go out. If they say: Look, he is in the inner rooms, do not believe it.”

The wise will consult and believe God’s Word. Prayerfully – consider these things with me.