Christopher Norio Avery, an American public policy scholar and writer once remarked: “Taking responsibility – practicing 100 percent responsibility every day – is about seeing ourselves not as right or wrong, but as an agent, chooser, problem solver, and learner in the complex interrelationships of our lives so that we can better integrate with the people and world around us. When we do this, we enjoy a better and more productive way to live and lead.” 2 Thessalonians 3:6-10 reminds us: “Now we command you, brothers, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that you keep away from any brother who is walking in idleness and not in accord with the tradition that you received from us. For you yourselves know how you ought to imitate us, because we were not idle when we were with you, nor did we eat anyone's bread without paying for it, but with toil and labor we worked night and day, that we might not be a burden to any of you. It was not because we do not have that right, but to give you in ourselves an example to imitate. For even when we were with you, we would give you this command: If anyone is not willing to work, let him not eat.”
One of the many definitions of accountability includes owning up to the positive and negative consequences of our individual choices in life and the subsequent behavioral trait that undoubtedly follows, rather than attributing the cause to external factors or somebody else. It is the fundamental liability that everyone is not only responsible for themselves, but also to both others and God. Romans 14:12 confirms: “So then each of us will give an account of himself to God.”
The legal age of liability for actions taken under criminal law, in some countries, is considered to be upwards from the age of ten. However, this will vary considerably throughout the globe. Yet, from infancy, if the adults are of a responsible nature, an element of accountability has usually prevailed between children and their parents. Guidance is crucial to ensure the correct principles of life are engrained for an upbringing that is both worthy and beneficial. In a good family environment, this is primarily based on the foundation stone of love and care. Galatians 6:1-5 confirms: “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.”
Accountability can take many forms and is mentioned several times in the Bible. It begins with the sins and errors of Adam and Eve who disobey God’s commandments and become accountable to God for their actions, this continues throughout life to the Final Judgment, which we all face in a future time to come. 2 Corinthians 5:10 confirms: “For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, so that each one may receive what is due for what he has done in the body, whether good or evil.”
The route of accountability may sometimes cause mayhem or chaos along the way. It is a personal road that one chooses to follow, whether that entails either good or evil actions. It is a responsibility that we are bound to accept on an individual and personal basis, to others and especially to God. We have no choice in the matter, it is a condition of life and salvation. It highlights every deed, word or thought we think or undertake.
Matthew 12:36-37 confirms: “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.”
Most would agree that we all have a responsibility or duty to do our best in life, especially if it is for the glory of God. Success in life is, of course, of paramount importance to those who seek it. It is a definitive goal to strive for and attain achievement. It is true to say that some are born to lead and others to follow, that is the prescribed way of the world. However, the road to success should never be considered as the mandatory prime purpose in life to the cost of everything else. If one is forced to achieve it, but remains unhappy because of the hurt or downfall inflicted on others during the process, or perhaps through the loneliness encountered as a result of efforts, then what have we achieved? We may have lost our self-respect, dignity and perhaps the love of others. Romans 12:16 confirms: “Live in harmony with one another. Do not be haughty, but associate with the lowly. Never be wise in your own sight.” Only those with hardened or contemptible hearts will continue without thought or consideration. On reflection, perhaps life may have more to offer in the appreciation, respect or value of others, rather than merely attaining success at their expense. That could invoke the undesired responsibility of accountability to God at the appropriate time. Jeremiah 17:9-10 confirms: “The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately sick; who can understand it? “I the Lord search the heart and test the mind, to give every man according to his ways, according to the fruit of his deeds.”
For those who have the discernment to think before they act, there is far more scope to avoid the pitfalls of life that may ultimately cause problems. If we succumb to the temptations for unnecessary gain or leadership, then we may be seeking accountability. However, if we accept what has been granted to us, rather than the continual exertion to better ourselves, we may find life becomes much easier and more enjoyable. Is there really such a need for constant betterment if it is against our nature? Sometimes saying no can be considered a more prudent and beneficial option. Of course, if it is at God’s special request or desire, then certainly we should always attempt to succeed, but if it is purely for our own satisfaction or ego, then perhaps we need to consider it? The march of progress continues to flourish, but sometimes restraint is the better option. 1 Corinthians 10:13 reminds us: “No temptation has overtaken you that is not common to man. God is faithful, and he will not let you be tempted beyond your ability, but with the temptation he will also provide the way of escape, that you may be able to endure it.”
We can always learn from the efforts of others, but sometimes dismiss the opportunity to lucubrate from their mistakes. Vishwas Chavan, an India-born researcher once remarked: "Accountability and self-responsibility are critical to our success in personal, professional and public life. However, we often look for those character traits in others, rather than inculcating them in ourselves." Luke 16:10-12 confirms: “One who is faithful in a very little is also faithful in much, and one who is dishonest in a very little is also dishonest in much. If then you have not been faithful in the unrighteous wealth, who will entrust to you the true riches? And if you have not been faithful in that which is another's, who will give you that which is your own?”
Amen.
