Sermon # 37 - Financial Accountability In Marriage Series

We read in Matthew 22:2, “The kingdom of heaven is like to a certain king, who made a marriage for his son..”(Webster)

We considered this verse in one of the previous messages, to understand that the kingdom of heaven is likened to a certain king who organized marriage for his son, which implies that God considers marriage sacred, and therefore compared the kingdom of God to marriage. We also realize that marriage is not man’s idea as perceived by many, but is God’s initiative as God Himself originated marriage in the first place.

Many families today are encountering tumultuous times in their marriages and there is an absence of peace in many a home. There are also a majority who have not understood the purpose of marriage from God’s perspective, and therefore a lot of families are in much confusion.

On the basis of God’s word, we are trying to understand and learn as to what are those vital aspects a couple must grasp, in order to fulfill God’s plan for their marriage.

We read in Matthew 18:23, “Therefore is the kingdom of the heavens likened unto a man who is king who would take account of his slaves.” (JUB)

In the above mentioned verse, the kingdom of heaven is equated to a king who took account of his slaves. There are three words which I would like to highlight in this verse.

1. The king

2. The slaves or servants

3. Took account

Maybe it is surprising to some of us that the Lord actually will hold us accountable for what He has entrusted to us. Generally in close relationships we dislike the idea of having to be accountable to the other person. Most people prefer to have their lives free from any sort of accountability to anyone, because they believe that they are perfect, and therefore have no need to be accountable to anyone.

It is the grace of God, and our belief in His finished work that makes us worthy recipients of His kingdom, but this does not in any way nullify the fact that we are also accountable to God for all that He has committed to us.

Relationships find fulfilment only when there is accountability

Every relationship has a purpose and if that purpose has to be affirmed, accountability is an important part of it. For example, in the above mentioned verse, the slaves are accountable to the king.

We read in Romans 14:12, “So then each one of us shall give account of himself to God.” (JUB)

The above mentioned verse is a clear indication that each one of us will have to give an account of ourselves to God. The relationship between us and God lies is the fact that He is the creator, and we are His creation. Therefore for God’s aspiration to be fulfilled in us, we stand accountable to God for the life, and everything else that He has bestowed on us.

Let us consider some examples from our day to day lives. Banks have periodic quarterly, half yearly and annual account closing, in order to take stock of the money that has been deposited or loaned out as they have a financial accountability, and relationship with their depositors.

We send our children to school, choosing the best schools, so that our children are coached well. The quarterly, half yearly and annual exams are conducted to check the progress of the child, and in a way it is a kind of check for the teacher to see how well they have taught. A test or examination periodically is an accountability check between the teacher and the student to ensure that both are doing their part well.

When there is accountability in any relationship, there is a change in that relationship for the better. For example, when parents invest much in their children, admit them to the best schools, it is a child who values these investments, who will give of his or her best in their studies.

This accountability is also applicable to the church, which means that when the pastor or leader confront the members on some issues, they should have a teachable spirit, and not take offence at the smallest reprimand. It also means we have to respect each other, and be on time for service. Sometimes we leave the church littering the place, or leaving the chairs is disarray not caring to put them back in order.

So also, the pastor is the shepherd of the flock, and it is his responsibility to share the word of God with much prayer and preparation. Members on the other hand are the flock, and are endowed with the obligation to receive, understand and obey the word of God that is taught to them. As much as we insist that our children take their text books and note books regularly to school, it is also a reminder that we should carry with us our bibles and a note book so we too can concentrate on the message that is preached and take notes, which we can refer to later. It is only when we have the realization that even at church we are accountable to each other, will we do all that the Lord purposes for us to do, and each one of us will make all efforts to do our part.