Who Is Held Accountable?

One popular president of the United States made famous a statement which he coined as follows: “The buck stops here.” Apparently there were many in that day who were “passing the buck,” as it were. This colorful colloquialism referred to the practice of passing on the responsibility of a task, and along with it, the blame of a job poorly done. This president wanted to stop the incessant blame game, and just say the buck stops with him. Even today those wishing to impress us with their sober (serious) mindset talk about their own accountability to those to whom they have responsibility.

The Bible speaks about accountability, too. First all have accountability toward God in that last day, which all shall be judged.

2 Cor. 5:10 For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ; that every one may receive the things done in his body, according to that he hath done, whether it be good or bad. 11 Knowing therefore the terror of the Lord, we persuade men; but we are made manifest unto God; and I trust also are made manifest in your consciences.

This is probably the most ignored fact of life. How many people deny that they, themselves, are accountable to God for the things which they say and do? How many people are there who know that thy are wanting when their relationship to God is considered? Most just blithely go their merry way, purposely drowning out what they may be sensing in the deep recesses of their mind. Knowing the eternal consequences of one's choice to accept or reject Jesus Christ and his Gospel message, Paul was inclined to “persuade men.” We, too, should be so inclined.

Jesus also taught us that Christians are accountable to him as well. Recall the parable of the talents (Matt. 25:14-30). He began the parable with these words: “For the kingdom of heaven is as . . .” This is what will be expected of those within the kingdom of heaven. Of the three men, one was given five talents (measures of money), another was given two, and the third was given a single talent. Each one was given the amount that the master knew each could handle responsibly. When the master returned there came a time of accounting what each had done with that money the master had given them. The first two men double the amount with which they had been entrusted. But, the third man did not handle his charge responsibly: he had buried what the master had given him. Because there was no effort put forth on the part of this servant there was no increase in what he was given. Each of the three were held accountable for what they had received. The first two were blessed because of their resourcefulness. But, the third was condemned because of his fear. Yes, his own fear caused him to bury whatever resources his master had given him. In that accounting he was found wanting. Verse 30 resounds with such cold finality: “And cast ye the unprofitable servant into outer darkness: there shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth.”

Jesus was warning his disciples of what would be expected of them when they were given the charge to:

Matt. 28:19 Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: 10 Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you always, even unto the end of the world. Amen.

Also, it should have been clear to them what Jesus expected of them when he told them:

Acts 1:8 But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judaea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth.

Accountability: all men everywhere are held accountable to God; and all Christians will be held accountable for those things God has given them. We are to be good stewards with what we have been blessed, both monetarily and spiritually. Let us all gladly serve our Master, King, and Savior, so that when we will give account to him, we will be found to be good and faithful servants.

Curtis A. Little, Royse City, TX

Curtis A. Little
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