We live in a world that often encourages self reliance, not being accountable to anyone, the world portrays accountability as old fashioned and needless. But as Christ followers, we have been taught to live a life of accountability and not live as though we have no ruler over us. Living a life of accountability is very paramount in our Christian faith, it fosters growth, dignity and transparency. It is never God’s wish that we walk through our Christian journey alone, hence the reason he designed our lives to live in fellowship with him and others. As many would wonder and ask what does accountability really mean, now let us see what accountability is;
From a Biblical perception, accountability means to take responsibility for our decisions, actions, and words, it also means to be answerable to God and to others. This means that we do not get to live our lives as it pleases us. Whether in marriage, relationship, workplace, or church, we are to live responsibly knowing that we are answerable to God and people. In our Christian journey, accountability is of upmost importance; it enable us to grow in holiness and maturity by challenging us to be honest in our daily dealings. Accountability also help us to stay away from sin; regularly purging our hearts and living with the consciousness that we owe God and people explanations, these will help us to resist temptations and stay on track.
In order to be accountable to God and people, we must be consistent in our faith and walk with God, having the right conviction in our hearts. Humility and honesty must be our watchword; and this is because accountability only strives where there is transparency and willingness to receive corrections without grudges. Prayer; when we constantly seek the face 0f God, his presence and words will always be alive in our spirits, that way we are conscious of our every move. Accountability is not God being judge, it is a proof of God’s desires for us, his desire for us to grow, mature, be consistent and responsible.
SEE ALSO: 42 Important Bible Verses About Moderation
What Does The Bible Say About Accountability?
The foundation of accountability started right from the time of creation. In the beginning God held Adam and Eve accountable for their actions, this portrays to us that it is our obligation to be accountable to God. Biblical accountability is rooted in love and growth and in our relationship with God and other people, it is not about judgement. The Bible encourages us to fellowship with other believers, not just for building our faith, but also for correction and accountability. He places people in our lives to help us stay on the path of righteousness, we are not meant to walk alone on our Christian path.
Romans 14:12 “So then, each of us will give an account of ourselves to God”. This scripture remind us that we are accountable to God for the life we live. This shows that we are not meant to live recklessly or live as people who have no guard over their lives.
2 Corinthians 5:10 “For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, so that each of us may receive what is due us for the things done while in the body, whether good or bad”. This verse underscores the importance of living our lives with eternity in view. On the last day, everyone will stand before God to give account of their lives.
James 5″16 “Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective”. This scripture reveals that accountability involves confession, not just confession to God alone, but also to trusted believers of the faith. When we confess our short comings, we own our mistakes and rewrite them. It is important we know that when we live transparently before God and people, our Christian walk will be smooth and easy.
Bible Verses About Accountability
- So then, each of us will give an account of ourselves to God. – Romans 14:12
- For each one should carry their own load. – Galatians 6:5
- For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, so that each of us may receive what is due us for the things done while in the body, whether good or bad. – 2 Corinthians 5:10
- As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another. – Proverbs 27:17
- Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective. – James 5:16
- But I tell you that everyone will have to give account on the day of judgment for every empty word they have spoken. – Matthew 12:36
- Plans fail for lack of counsel, but with many advisers they succeed. – Proverbs 15:22
- Now it is required that those who have been given a trust must prove faithful. – 1 Corinthians 4:2
- Nothing in all creation is hidden from God’s sight. Everything is uncovered and laid bare before the eyes of him to whom we must give account. – Hebrews 4:13
- Whoever can be trusted with very little can also be trusted with much, and whoever is dishonest with very little will also be dishonest with much. – Luke 16:10
- For God will bring every deed into judgment, including every hidden thing, whether it is good or evil. – Ecclesiastes 12:14
- But they will have to give account to Him who is ready to judge the living and the dead. – 1 Peter 4:5
- You, my brothers and sisters, were called to be free. But do not use your freedom to indulge the flesh; rather, serve one another humbly in love. – Galatians 5:13
- After a long time, the master of those servants returned and settled accounts with them. – Matthew 25:19
- Whoever heeds discipline shows the way to life, but whoever ignores correction leads others astray. – Proverbs 10:17
- From everyone who has been given much, much will be required; and from the one who has been entrusted with much, much more will be asked. – Luke 12:48
- If your brother or sister sins, go and point out their fault, just between the two of you. If they listen to you, you have won them over. – Matthew 18:15
- Therefore each of you must put off falsehood and speak truthfully to your neighbor, for we are all members of one body. – Ephesians 4:25
- In the name of the Lord Jesus Christ, we command you, brothers and sisters, to keep away from every believer who is idle and disruptive and does not live according to the teaching you received from us. – 2 Thessalonians 3:6
- An honest answer is like a kiss on the lips. – Proverbs 24:26
- Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing. – 1 Thessalonians 5:11
- Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters, since you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward. – Colossians 3:23-24
- I the Lord search the heart and examine the mind, to reward each person according to their conduct, according to what their deeds deserve. – Jeremiah 17:10
- Therefore, my dear friends, as you have always obeyed—not only in my presence, but now much more in my absence—continue to work out your salvation with fear and trembling. – Philippians 2:12
- In the past God overlooked such ignorance, but now he commands all people everywhere to repent. – Acts 17:30
- So then each of us will give an account of himself to God. – Romans 14:12
- Brothers, if anyone is caught in any transgression, you who are spiritual should restore him in a spirit of gentleness. Keep watch on yourself, lest you too be tempted. Bear one another’s burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ. For if anyone thinks he is something, when he is nothing, he deceives himself. But let each one test his own work, and then his reason to boast will be in himself alone and not in his neighbor. For each will have to bear his own load. – Galatians 6:1-5
- 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. – Matthew 12:36-37
- Pay attention to yourselves! If your brother sins, rebuke him, and if he repents, forgive him. – Luke 17:3
- The soul who sins shall die. The son shall not suffer for the iniquity of the father, nor the father suffer for the iniquity of the son. The righteousness of the righteous shall be upon himself, and the wickedness of the wicked shall be upon himself. – Ezekiel 18:20
- Obey your leaders and submit to them, for they are keeping watch over your souls, as those who will have to give an account. Let them do this with joy and not with groaning, for that would be of no advantage to you. – Hebrews 13:17
- So whoever knows the right thing to do and fails to do it, for him it is sin. – James 4:17
- Not many of you should become teachers, my brothers, for you know that we who teach will be judged with greater strictness. – James 3:1
- Not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near. – Hebrews 10:25
