The Lord our God has secrets known to no one. We are not accountable for them, but we and our children are accountable forever for all that he has revealed to us, so that we may obey all the terms of these instructions. Deuteronomy 29:29 (NLT)
What is accountability, and why are people averse to being held accountable? Deuteronomy tells us that we will be accountable for everything that has been revealed to us.
The dictionary defines accountability as “the obligation to report, explain, or justify; being responsible for or answerable to someone.” Practically speaking, it has everything to do with relationships. An accountable relationship can only happen when we give others the right to walk alongside us, observe our manner of life, and share with us those things that don’t measure up to Christ’s standard.
It was the belief in the accountability of man to his maker that made America a great nation. Among those earlier leaders was Daniel Webster whose blazing eyes and fiery oratory often held the Senate spellbound. In those days, the Congress was composed of strong, noble statesmen who carried the weight of the nation in their hearts and minds.
Someone asked: “Mr. Webster, what do you consider the most serious thought that has ever entered your mind?” “The most solemn thought that has ever entered my mind is my accountability to my Maker,” he replied.
Paul is straightforward and clear when he declares: Yes, each of us will give a personal account to God. Romans 14:12 (NLT). Peter reinforces this thought with his words: But they will have to give an account to him who is ready to judge the living and the dead. 1 Peter 4:5 (NIV)
The Demise of Accountability
There was a time when society held a person responsible for his behavior. However, because accountability was not always applied equally or fairly, there was a resulting backlash.
The result has been an increasing aversion to accountability. We now have an increasing tendency of individuals or groups who avoid taking responsibility for their actions or decisions. This shows itself in numerous ways, such as denying involvement, blaming others, or justifying one’s actions to avoid facing the consequences.
The avoidance of accountability will have negative outcomes, both for individuals and for churches, or ministries. When people consistently avoid accountability, it can lead to a loss of trust among family and friends. Performance suffers and tasks are not completed in a timely and efficient way.
A lack of accountability also results in low morale, and it demotivates people and disengages them from a commitment to the ministry’s goals and objectives. Increased conflict is another symptom. People start pointing fingers at one another resulting in tension and conflict within teams or groups.
In short, nothing good happens when there is a lack of accountability. Whether it be in a family, a church or ministry, it will be difficult if not impossible to achieve good results for the kingdom of God.
The Preacher sums it all up: That’s the whole story. Here now is my final conclusion: Fear God and obey his commands, for this is everyone’s duty. God will judge us for everything we do, including every secret thing, whether good or bad. Ecclesiastes 12:13–14 (NLT)
We cannot escape accountability, but for those who do not have an eternal perspective, it can be difficult to submit to accountability in an atmosphere of self-interest and pleasure.
The Challenge
Obey your spiritual leaders and do what they say. Their work is to watch over your souls, and they are accountable to God. Give them reason to do this with joy and not with sorrow. That would certainly not be for your benefit. Hebrews 13:17 (NLT)
In a society geared to avoid responsibility, how can churches teach and practice accountability and discipline? According to sources, there are between 350,000 and 400,000 churches in the United States. This means that there are many choices available for those people who do not want to be held accountable for their actions.
Pastors and leaders face choices: “Do we exercise discipline, and hold people accountable, even when there is a risk that they will leave?” There really is no choice, because God will hold us accountable if we do not hold those accountable whom he has entrusted to our care.
Ezekiel paints a very sobering picture of the consequences we face if we do not warn people and hold them accountable. “Again, when a righteous person turns from their righteousness and does evil, and I put a stumbling block before them, they will die. Since you did not warn them, they will die for their sin. The righteous things that person did will not be remembered, and I will hold you accountable for their blood. Ezekiel 3:20 (NIV)
If we, as watchmen appointed by God, become more concerned about pleasing people than fulfilling our God-given responsibilities, we will not escape judgment. It is hard to go countercultural, but I would rather we please God then make a vain attempt to placate man.
The Final Exam
Nothing in all creation is hidden from God. Everything is naked and exposed before his eyes, and he is the one to whom we are accountable. Hebrews 4:13 (NLT)
Avoiding accountability by changing churches, jobs, or even friendships, might seem like a clever idea, but it will do nothing to prepare us when we stand before God. Remember, it is God who places us in families, natural or spiritual, to prepare us, and make us useful in his kingdom. Plotting an escape from discipline is shortsighted.
Pastors, parents, and other leaders, we must remember that it is our responsibility to prepare those that God has given to us to live in his kingdom forever. We need to keep eternity always in mind. Moses might have escaped the discipline of the Lord, but we are told: He chose to share the oppression of God’s people instead of enjoying the fleeting pleasures of sin. Hebrews 11:25 (NLT)
In summary, accountability is a blessing from God. Like discipline, it may not seem pleasurable at the time, But afterward there will be a peaceful harvest of right living for those who are trained in this way. Hebrews 12:11 (NLT)
Let’s be accountable!
Steve Ekeroth