Giving Account

The Bible makes it clear that everyone will give an account before God concerning their time on earth.  Every deed and even every word will be weighed according to God's righteous standard.  Jesus says in Matthew 12:36, "But I say to you that for every idle word men may speak, they will give account of it in the day of judgment."  Paul affirms in Romans 14:12, "So then each of us shall give account of himself to God."  For most people, to answer for your life as an entire body of work is not as daunting as citing specifics.  While we plod on in life, the Day of Judgment seems far away and not too important - just like a school assignment due in two months.

Many of the parables told by Jesus support this view.  The master commits tasks to his servants, leaves, and then each is required to give account for their actions during his absence.  The profit gained or lack thereof is the proving ground of each servant's responsibility.  Again, this contributes to the concept that all will give account to God some day in the future:  believers at the Bema Seat of Christ, and unbelievers before the Great White Throne.  Before being ushered into eternity in God's presence, believers will be judged in light of the eternal reward or loss based upon their earthly stewardship (1 Cor. 3:12-15).  Every unbeliever whose name is not written in the Lamb's Book of Life will be doomed to hell for eternity under the crushing weight of God's perfect law (Rev. 20:11-15).

It is very easy for those who have escaped the wrath to come by the shed blood of Jesus to give little thought to the day when we will give an account to God.  This can only harm our effectiveness in the present.  The fact is, we ought to daily give an account of ourselves to God.  If we are faithful to do this, we will reap eternal rewards.  I was reading Hebrews 13:17 when this fact struck me:  "Obey those who rule over you, and be submissive, for they watch out for your souls, as those who must give account. Let them do so with joy and not with grief, for that would be unprofitable for you."  I am a child of God, under the rule of my Heavenly Father.  I am also a husband, a dad, and a pastor.  I am responsible before God for the spiritual care of my household in my private life, and also an overseer in a church fellowship.  Part of my role as a leader is to submit to the rule of Jesus Christ and be watchful over the souls of my wife and children.  I must give account to God not only when I stand before the judgment seat of Christ, but even now - today!  Every day I am to give account of myself and of whom God has made me responsible.

The following sentence shows that this is a present, ongoing accountability before God:  "Let them do so with joy and not with grief, for that would be unprofitable for you."  That is heavy!  A good accountant does not ignore the numbers until the end of the business year, but all along keeps accurate records.  Accountants check and double-check for discrepancies to ensure the ledgers are correct.  If we should take such care concerning temporal losses and gains, how much more vigilant should we be concerning the condition of our eternal souls and of those whom God has entrusted to our care?  When I see people burdened with sins, it brings grief to my heart.  But when I witness God transforming people by His grace I experience unspeakable joy.  It is a grave responsibility, to give account to God for the condition of souls Christ has purchased with His own blood.  Every man will stand before God and give an answer for every word he has spoken, every thought entertained, every deed performed.  Parents are accountable for how they raise their children, and pastors are responsible to give account for the condition of the souls in their care.  Who is sufficient for these things?

Knowing this, let us take seriously the charge to remain accountable to God daily.  Every person is accountable for their own souls, and many of us have the additional responsibility to feed and tend our families and the flock of God.  We MUST give account to God; from this duty we cannot shrink.  It would be better for us to discover deficiencies now than to wait until the Day of Judgment when it will be too late.  Praise God for the love, grace, and mercy He has revealed to us.  Praise God that Jesus Christ is our Saviour:  He has saved us, and He will keep us too!  1 Peter 1:3-5 says, "Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who according to His abundant mercy has begotten us again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, ⁴ to an inheritance incorruptible and undefiled and that does not fade away, reserved in heaven for you, ⁵ who are kept by the power of God through faith for salvation ready to be revealed in the last time."