How Difficult Is It to Be Accountable to God?

Jonah was an interesting and amazing character, in that his life and response to God’s calling and purpose reflect ours at some level. Have you ever avoided responding to God’s plan and purpose for your life?

Jonah fled his country to resist God’s plan to send him to Nineveh to preach God’s simple message of salvation. He sensed God would forgive and bless them, which was contrary to what Jonah wanted. Did he believe he could escape being accountable to God’s purpose by running away?

God gave Jonah a concise message to preach to the people of Nineveh, just as he sent a distinct message to the world in the birth of Jesus. God did not send Jesus to condemn the world but to save it. How accountable are you to God by choosing to serve him where you are now, at this moment? Spiritual clarity is closely related to faith and trust in Jesus and by letting go of resistance. 

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Your word is a lamp for my feet, a light on my path. 

~Psalm 119:105 New International Version 

But when he, the Spirit of truth, comes, he will guide you into all the truth. 

~John 16:13 New International Version 

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Can God's Calling Become Distorted?

I’ve always been impressed with Jonah, the Old Testament prophet who refused to go to Nineveh to preach God’s message of salvation. Jonah refused God’s call because he felt ambivalent about what would happen to him if he failed or was successful.

By reading the book, it appeared that Jonah never accepted that God’s love, mercy, and forgiveness were unrestricted and open to all who believed and repented. Cautious optimism for God loving the people of Nineveh was challenging for Jonah.

Sometimes a reality check is necessary to determine if cautious optimism distorts your thoughts and feelings which then prevents you from being accountable for what you could be or do for God. As you think about the Lord Jesus Christ being Savior for all people, rid yourself of any distortions of clarity.

Then you will be joyful in your heart and soul by being able to grow in the grace and knowledge of the Lord God.

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Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything. 

~James 1:4 New International Version 

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What Is Required When Facing Uncertainty?

As political issues consistently change, feelings of uncertainty are assured. Two responses stand out when faced with uncertainty. Overreacting with fear and anxiety is prevalent, while pretending nothing has changed is typical for some people.

So what is a normal response to uncertainty? Cautious optimism, designed to tolerate anxious moments, refuses to nurture a negative outlook for the present or future. Reality conveys the fact that all is not well, but at the same time realizes the sky is not falling.

Wise council tells you to take one day at a time and listen to diverse opinions.

The objective is clarity of faith to trust God’s purpose when it’s unclear what tomorrow may bring. Being accountable includes holding on to the measure of faith God has given you which permits you to express thanksgiving for his presence when facing uncertain situations. May God bless you and cause his face to shine on you.   

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“So do not worry saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’ For the pagans run after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them. But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself.” 

~Matthew 6:31-34 New International Version 

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What Are the Benefits of Being Accountable?

If your purpose is to let others know what you think and feel about any issue, it’s incredibly important to speak with clarity and conciseness. Everyone is subject to being misunderstood, which is often the cause for turmoil and conflict.

If being understood is your purpose, then speaking with clarity is a necessity. The majority of people desire peace and harmony rather than stress and conflict, yet a conversation can deviate into an argument over a simple misunderstanding. 

Perhaps you do not want to be accountable for prolonging a hurtful situation. Communicating with words of apology validates accountability.

Ask God for wisdom, guidance, and clarity as you prepare to be accountable. Proverbs 8:35 gives this encouragement: “Whoever finds wisdom finds life and receives favor from the Lord.” Accountability before the Lord and others makes way for a clear conscience.        

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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 New International Version 

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Can You Escape From Uncertainty and Confusion?

In a few days we will remember an event the caused uncertainty to be widespread in our country. That day was September 11, 2001. The following Sunday, a record for church attendance occurred because uncertainty was so prevalent.

Reassurance and clarity in thinking were needed to be regained as uncertainty and confusion dominated. Did it ever occur to you that Jesus is present to help you manage feelings of uncertainty and confusion, regardless of how they originate?

Jesus will help you clarify God’s purpose for your life. God is not the author of confusion but rather provides wisdom and courage for facing the future. What’s required for clarity of purpose is a quiet time each day with God so your heart and mind will be receptive to the wisdom he will provide for you. Show your gratitude by offering thanks and praise back to God.                        

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[Come now], you who say, “Today or tomorrow we will go to this or that city, spend a year there, carry on business and make money.”  Why, you do not even know what will happen tomorrow. What is your life? You are a mist that appears for a little while then vanishes. Instead, you ought to say, “If it is the Lord’s will, we will live and do this or that.” 

~James 4:13-15 New International Version  

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How Well Are You Managing the Life God Has Given You?

While we may not be directly responsible for creating a crisis, we are accountable for how we conduct ourselves. Self-management depends on learning important skills like clarity of thoughts and feelings for navigating the troubled waters of life.

Everyone knows what it’s like to experience the absence of self-control. Thinking and speaking with clarity derives from an uncluttered mind, which is possible even when uncertainty abounds. Accountability depends on clarity of thoughts and feelings.

How well you manage varies with how comfortable you are with your surroundings. On several occasions when a situation became tense, Jesus would slip away to a quiet place to avoid those who were incompatible with his purpose.

Moments of quietness to regain clarity in thinking and feelings and to regulate your tone of voice help others see that you represent Christ in your actions and usage of language. May God bless and help you do this.                

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I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will counsel you with my loving eye on you. 

~Psalm 32:8 New International Version 

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How Well Are You Adjusting to What Life Demands?

What is the most difficult situation you’ve had to adjust to recently? While waiting for the elevator, a young man caught my attention. A prosthesis was attached to the upper portion of his leg and he used a cane for balance. I couldn’t help wondering if he was a veteran.

He was outgoing and seemed unashamed that his body and life had been dramatically altered. Adaptability is the key to making the most of a severely altered life. Adjusting to a new reality may mean rediscovering a new meaning and purpose for living.

God gives us the ability to adapt to what seems impossible. When we ask God for help with a positive attitude, he gives us an unflinching commitment to face the future with whatever he provides.

“The eye has not seen nor the ear heard what good things God has in store for those who love him.” Have you asked God to help you love him with all your heart, soul, and strength? Why not do so now?   

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…I have learned how to [live] happily whether I have much or little. I know how to live on almost nothing or with everything. I have learned the secret of contentment in every situation…for I can do everything God asks me to with the help of Christ Jesus who gives me strength and power. 

~Philippians 4:11-13 The Living Bible 

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