What Is the Mandate God Assigns to Each Believer?

The Swiss psychiatrist Carl Jung believed some people were able to know things not naturally learned. These people may realize they possess insight designed to benefit God’s plan and purpose for them as well as for others.

What greater motive for creativity and accountability could there be, realizing you are privileged to be doing what honors and pleases the Lord God? Jesus referred to this as laying up incorruptible treasures in heaven.

Jesus gave us a related truth in the “Parable of the Mustard Seed”. The wonder and power in a tiny mustard seed is similar to the power of faith and trust God assigns to believers in Christ Jesus. Jesus confirms in John 16:13 he would send the Holy Spirit to guide believers into all truth he had taught. 

That mandate is to learn whatever is within the scope of your ability to assimilate and then be accountable to God for that information.    

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Now it is required that those who have been given a trust must prove to be faithful. 

~1 Corinthians 4:2 New International Version

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How Much Power Is Stored in the Smallest Particle of Faith?

The first sentence of Genesis 1 tells us that God created the heavens and earth. The word created means to bring into existence what did not previously exist, and this perspective is attributed only to God.

Did God intend for human beings to be co-creators with him, filling the earth with new innovations and designs? For centuries humans have been innovators and inventors by using their intelligence and intuition to pursue ideas for the betterment of self and others.

Jesus’ Parable of the Mustard Seed reminds believers that faith and trust, no matter how small, are capable of producing enormous results when blessed by God.

Quality not quantity is the issue. So faith, like the tiny mustard seed, is the force behind creativity and accountability. So you, like the smallest particle of God’s creation, can respond to his design and purpose.                   

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Each of you should use whatever gifts your have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God’s grace in its various forms. 

~1 Peter 4:10 New International Version

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Can You Know Your Destiny for Certain?

Have you ever reflected on what you could have done in life if only circumstances had been different? Getting bogged down in the old “if-only entrapment” that served as justification for your underachievement, you could have pursued a different pathway to contentment.

When I was attending college, I met a man in his late twenties who confessed he could not read and was unable to complete an application for employment he was pursuing. He was intelligent, as confirmed by his vocabulary and ability to communicate.

This person demonstrated accountability and creativity by enrolling in programs designed to help those with dyslexia learn to read and write by unconventional methods. In Jesus’ parable of the rich man and Lazarus, disease and poverty could not dissuade Lazarus from his faith in God’s care as he battled to survive each day. While some situations cannot be overcome, faith provides the will to endure. 

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 For it is God who works in you to will and to act in order to fulfill his good purpose. 

~Philippians 2:13 New International Version 

I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing. 

~John 15:5 New International Version

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Does God Hold You Responsible for Your Skills and Talents?

Creativity is not just coming up with ideas but doing what it takes to be sure an idea is worthy of bringing to fruition. Creativity recognizes that while pursuing an idea, something totally different could be discovered that is more worthwhile than the original goal.

You do not have to be a scientist to be creative. Parenting demands creativity, for it’s a continuous learning process. Parents are accountable to God and the entire social order for teaching and enforcing boundaries so children know what’s acceptable.   

Creativity leads to opportunity and responsibility.

God hold us accountable, as the parable of the rich man and Lazarus demonstrates. Lazarus suffered from a disease that prevented him from working, yet each day he subjected himself to the generosity of others. Present and future rewards are in store for those whose faith and trust in God reflect their determination to be accountable.

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And let us consider how we can spur one another on toward love and good deeds. 

~Hebrews 10:24 New International Version 

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Do You Need to Regain Your Sense of Accountability?

God intended for each person to use and expand their capacity to be creative. According to Genesis, Adam and Eve were given the task of taking charge of God’s creation by reproducing, subduing, and prospering.

They had to use their intelligence and creativity to survive and prosper. Think about them with no modern conveniences, obtaining and preparing meals while caring for children. God gave human beings an imagination, initiative, and the will to explore, discover and create.

We are held accountable, first to God, for our beliefs, thoughts, talents, and actions. The stories Jesus told were about accountability. The parable of Lazarus and a rich man is about a life dedicated to self-gratification with little concern for others. God expects us to work and enjoy the fruits of our labor while remembering that he, the Lord God, made it possible.  

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So I tell you and call on you in the Lord not to live any more like the people of the world. Their minds are set on worthless things. Their understanding is darkened. Their closed minds have made them strangers to the life God gives. 

~Ephesians 4:17-18 Beck – New Testament in the Language of Today 

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How Is Creativity Subdued by Negative Thinking?

Creativity can be kept in submission through repressive feelings of fear and anxiety. Negative thinking will strip away what it takes to risk failure while pursuing success. Matthew 25:25 points out how fear predetermined failure for someone who refused to use his knowledge and creativity to bring him success. "I was afraid, so I went off and hid your money in the ground..."

My dad commented on how negative thinking had prevented him from purchasing property that had quadrupled in value almost immediately. Negative thinking comprised of “what if,” permitted a good investment to slip away.

God never intended for us to act on every potential, but to use our intelligence and creative abilities to assess an opportunity. Courage and confidence linked to creative investigations are necessary core ingredients for grasping a future opportunity. Faith and trust anchored in the Lord Jesus Christ are foundational for creativity.  

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You must be very careful not to forget the things you have seen God do for you. Keep reminding yourself, and tell your children and grandchildren as well. 

~Deuteronomy 4:9 Contemporary English Version 

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Is It Possible to Be Too Cautious?

Do you think of yourself as being creative? Jesus’ thoughts on creativity and accountability are revealed in his Parable of the Talents. An employer entrusted $10,000 to an employee, $5,000 to another and $1,000 to someone else. The first two doubled their investments, but the third refused to trust his marketplace skills. He was promptly terminated.

The fired employee was accused of being too cautious, lazy, and wicked. Jesus’ parable defines accountability. What has been entrusted into your care intellectually, physically, and spiritually are gifts to be invested in God’s kingdom here on earth.

Creativity motivates you to seek the limits of your giftedness. God’s gift to each believer is faith and trust, which enable you to push out from what is known, to discover opportunities to serve Jesus Christ in new and exciting ways. 

So stay alert and be ready.

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Be careful, then, how your live – not as unwise but as wise, making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil. 

~Ephesians 5:15-16 New International Version 

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How Are Creativity and Accountability Linked Together?

If someone were to ask, what does it means to be creative, how would you respond? Being creative summons a wide range of possible expressions. Children are judged to be creative who use their imagination to express ideas and those who duplicate other’s achievements.

Another question to ask is what role does accountability play in bringing creativity to fruition? Vincent Van Gough believed his art would become the wave of the future for generations of new artists.

If creativity is to come to fruition it must be bonded to accountability. Remember the man who approached Jesus with the question, “What must I do to inherit eternal life?” He was wealthy and religious, yet bored and lost. He needed a special challenge but was unwilling to be accountable to  Jesus’ recommendation. True creativity often requires sacrifice, but God’s abundant benefits more than compensate for what is given up.                                                                                         

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Therefore, if you are offering your gift at the altar, and there remember that your brother or sister has something against you, leave your gift there in front of the altar. First go and be reconciled to them; then come and offer your gift. 

~Matthew 5:23-24 New International Version 

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What Makes Self-care Seem So Difficult?

Human nature dictates we care for others and especially that we care for ourselves as long as we can do so. Taking care of yourself during grief and sorrow or following a traumatic event is difficult because the tendency to be narrowly focused shapes your behavior.

During very stressful moments the impulse to make important life decisions should be avoided since a significant change adds to stress levels by creating more anxiety and fear. Some changes are unavoidable, so consulting with trusted friends and family can be reassuring.

Taking ownership for self-care is important. Being accountable may involve asking for help, especially when feeling overwhelmed by too many choices and decisions. Never hesitate to seek the comfort and fellowship of the Lord God even if you blame him for what you are experiencing. God loves you with an unfailing love that will not fade or be diminished by your grief and sorrow. 

                           

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How great is God’s love for all who worship him? Greater than the distance between heaven and earth! How far has the Lord taken our sins from us? Farther than the distance from east to west! ... With all my heart I praise the Lord. 

~Psalm 103:11-12, 22b Contemporary English Version 

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How Does Seeking Forgiveness Promote Self-care?

Self-care is a normal but often a neglected task in life. Self-neglect or self-abuse often begins in adolescence through sleep deprivation and numerous experimentations including self-harm. Habits formed during these years may become permanent.

David, king of Israel and man of faith, pleaded with God to forgive him for the sins of his youth. For David, pursuing forgiveness was crucial to self-care. Courage is required when seeking forgiveness because it demands being honest and vulnerable.

Offering forgiveness to a person who has wounded your heart and pride demonstrates ownership and self-care. Otherwise your heart will become corrupt with resentment, even hatred, which has the power to damage your mind, body, and spirit. God’s word reminds us if we forgive others we are in a position to receive God’s healing forgiveness, which is the ultimate in self-care.                        

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You must be merciful, as your Heavenly Father is merciful. Don’t judge other people and you will not be judged yourself. Don’t condemn [others] and you will not be condemned. Forgive others and you will be forgiven.  

~Luke 6:37 Phillips – New Testament in Modern English 

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How Do We Demonstrate Self-care?

Becoming older cannot be avoided. When the first signs of losing the elegance of youth are noticed, an all-out effort may be set in motion to camouflage that reality. When her daughter entered adolescence, her mother began copying her daughter’s choice for clothes.

Negotiating mid-life begins in the mid-to-late thirties and can cause grief, as the reality of losing young adulthood cannot be denied. Trying to avoid this transition is similar to denying the sorrow of a significant loss.

Taking ownership of aging is being accountable for taking care of yourself in a new way. Self-care involves paying attention to your body and mind. Aging has the potential for creating anxiety, but this is not God’s intention. 

When you put your hope and trust in God’s care for you, hope springs eternal as an anchor to hold you firm while allocating to you courage to face the changes life presents. May God bless you.

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You know me inside and out, you know every bone in my body. You know exactly how I was made, bit by bit, how I was sculped from nothing into something. Like an open book, you watched me grow from conception to birth; all the stages of my life were spread out before you. The days of my life all prepared before I’d even lived one day. 

~Psalm 139:15-16 The Message 

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How Does Being Accountable for Grief Aid in Healing?

Collin Parks, noted British psychiatrist and author, said grief is the price we pay for loving and being loved. This is fundamental to bonding so relationships can last a lifetime. If bonding is severed, we emotionally go through deep sorrow and grief.

When I was a child, one of our cows gave birth to a calf which I claimed for my own. It became so tame and gentle it would follow me when I was at the barn or out in the pasture. One morning my dad told me the calf had died from pneumonia. 

Throughout life, we experience a series of losses. Coming to grips with the reality of grief means it’s imperative to assume ownership of the sorrow that’s left in its wake. Healing begins by being accountable to the grief, which means permitting God to touch your heart with his presence until healing and a return to normal life have taken place. 

Jesus will be with you as you make this journey.

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The Lord is close to those whose hearts are breaking; he rescues those whose spirits are crushed. A good person may have many troubles, but the Lord comes to the rescue each time. 

~Psalm 34:18-19 The Living Bible/New International Version 

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What Is Involved in Healing from Grief?

Unresolved grief related to the loss of a special relationship can be a precursor to depression and other emotional issues. Significant grief is like a dark cloud hanging over your life. Technically, grief is an emotional and physical response to a specific loss.

Grief is composed of several stages including denial, depression, anger, bargaining, and finally acceptance. Deep sorrow generated by grief sometimes creates the need for emotional isolation that’s necessary for healing to occur.

Healing is dependent on taking ownership of grief, which means being available to experience each stage as it occurs.

Blaming God and others is a form of denial. Assuming ownership for grief creates a place for God to extend his strength and comfort to you. Faithfulness to God’s presence clears the way for hope and healing to occur.

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When someone becomes a Christian, he or she becomes a brand-new person inside. [This person] is not the same anymore. A new life has begun!  

~2 Corinthians 5:17 The Living Bible 

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What Is a First Step for Making Character Correction?

A proverb of old states, “Confession is good for the soul.” A contemporary equal could be, “Owning up to embarrassing failures and missteps demonstrates strong character.” It is difficult to prevent lapses in character from contributing to failures.

I missed role call only once when I was in the Air Force. My unit Sergeant came to my barracks to make an inquiry. It was obvious I’d overslept, so I spent the next two week-ends painting offices. I made sure my character would never allow me to oversleep again.

Professing ownership, like confessing, is good for the soul, in that each provides freedom from guilt and cover-ups. Acknowledging ownership is a first step toward making corrections for a lapse in character.

Accountability demonstrates faithfulness for facing future temptations. Proverbs 16: 6 assures us, “Through love and faithfulness, sin is atoned for.” You can trust in God’s promises.        

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When you are guilty, you must confess the sin. 

~Leviticus 5:5 Good News Bible  

Whoever conceals their sins does not prosper, but the one who confesses and renounces them finds mercy. 

~Proverbs 28:13 New International Version  

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What Command Fulfills God's Word?

Claiming ownership for life’s issues includes assuming responsibility, which demonstrates maturity. Acknowledging ownership signals your ability to accept feelings and values that determine behaviors; these will strengthen or weaken your relationships.

The acknowledgement of others that you are taking responsibility in the face of life’s critical interpersonal challenges is motivation to press onward to tackle God’s plan for yourself. Accountability implies accepting responsibility for what God calls you to be to other people. 

So rejoice in being a source for happiness to others and contributing to their peace of mind. Taking responsibility to care for others overrides the impulse to care only for yourself. Accountability allows the peace and power of Jesus Christ to rule in your heart.

Galatians 5:14 acknowledges “the entire law is fulfilled in keeping this command: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’” This is God’s way.    

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A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this all others will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another. 

~John 13:34-35 New International Version 

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What Does It Take for God to Watch Over Your Life?

We cannot be separated from the reality of being accountable for our personal response to daily events. It’s critically important to assume ownership for what happens within the boundaries of our responsibilities, regardless of how they’re defined.

Consider the child who refuses to do homework or neglects to turn in completed work but then blames the teacher for failing grades. When parents also blame the teacher, a lifetime of failing to take ownership for personal choices can be set in motion.

Accountability is dependent on your willingness to take ownership for personal choices. Ownership includes acknowledging responsibility and fault without fabricating rationalizations. God’s word teaches that the “unrighteous are like dust the wind blows away, but the Lord watches over the plans and paths of the godly.” Accountability is choosing God’s way in all you do, and you will surely be blessed. 

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You are the light of the world. A city on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone… In the same way, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven.

~Matthew 5:14-16 New International Version 

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Does God Hold Us Accountable for How We Choose to Live?

Claiming ownership can be much more involved and misleading than actually taking possession. It’s somewhat of a misnomer to say we own a house or car when in reality the bank or mortgage company is the owner until the credit contract is paid in full.

The concept of ownership covers an expansive range well beyond physical properties. I heard a proud father of four high achieving adult sons and daughters jokingly say that he knew these were his kids for he had the birth certificates and DNA evidence to prove it.

This father believed he was accountable to God and his children for teaching them values for living. His teachings ensured they would experience some measurable happiness and success. God does hold us accountable for our choices. Taking ownership of success and failure is indicative of maturity, for it communicates you are accountable to God and others for what you do and the choices you make.

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For we all must appear before the judgement seat of Christ, that each one may receive what is due him for the things done while in the body, whether good or bad. 

~2 Corinthians 5:10 New International Version 

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Is Maturing As a Christian Within the Realm of Possibility?

Do you desire to be an excellent husband or wife? Has that status eluded you? The prospect for becoming an excellent spouse is crucially linked to knowing and understanding the person to whom you are married, in addition to actually knowing yourself.

How do you get to know another person? The short answer is spending enough time together for personality quirks to become obvious. It’s not a matter of whether flaws exist, but if there is enough patience, love, and tolerance to accept what may never change.

Strengths and weaknesses are often the source for disagreements, but from these, an excellent relationship can be pursued. The Apostle Paul explains how excellence evolves: “Forgetting what is behind and straining for what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me.” 

Paul gives hope and meaning to accountability as he pursues excellence, as you can do.

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But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people belonging to God, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light. 

~1 Peter 2:9 New International Version  

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What Is Actually Involved in Maturing As a Christian?

Learning is expansive and never-ending, provided the desire to grow and mature remains active. Dr. Michael DeBakey inferred that watching television was not advantageous to learning because most programming is designed to be entertaining.

I learned the definition for a disciple was to be a learner. Jesus began his ministry by calling disciples.

These men walked and talked with Jesus. They listened to his sermons and observed as he responded to those in need of healing. They listened to his critics. 

Accepting accountability for maturing includes stretching for excellence in your walk with Christ. Listen to the Apostle Paul: “Not that I have already obtained all of this or have been made perfect, but I press on to take hold of that for which Jesus took hold of me.” To press on means to actively grow in knowledge to discover the purpose and significance of Christ Jesus coming into your life.

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So we are not giving up. How could we! Even though on the outside it often looks like things are falling apart on us, on the inside, where God is making new life, not a day goes by without his unfolding grace. These hard times are small potatoes compared to the coming good times, the lavish celebration prepared for us. There’s far more here than meets the eye. The things we see now are here today, gone tomorrow. But the things we can’t see now will last forever. 

~2 Corinthians 4:16-18 The Message 

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Is Achieving Partial Excellence Acceptable?

After being discharged from the Air Force I enrolled at a Christian college to pursue a degree I believed was God’s plan and purpose for me. The student leadership included those who encouraged others to strive for excellence in their walk with Christ.

Defining excellence as perfection in thinking, beliefs, and actions was an appropriate objective for student leaders but was difficult to grasp for the student body. Seeking spiritual excellence implies the pursuit of maturity that impacts accountability in all areas of life.

Listen to the Apostle Paul’s struggle with yearning to be accountable to Christ. “I want to know Christ and the power of his resurrection and the fellowship of sharing in his suffering, becoming like him in his death.” Try to grasp the depth of his desire. Accountability depends on the desire to grow and mature as a believer in the Lord Jesus Christ.

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My dear children, I am writing this to you so that you will not sin. But if anyone does sin, we have an advocate who pleads our case before the Father. He is Jesus Christ, the one who is truly righteous. He himself is the sacrifice that atones for our sins, and not only for our sins but for the sins of all the world.

 ~1 John 2:1-2. New Living Translation  

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Is Keeping Your Thoughts Completely Pure Possible?

When my brother was twelve, he found a large sum of money outside a privately owned store. He informed the store owner if anyone could identify the cash amount, he would return it. Weeks later the money was never claimed, so it was my brother’s to keep.

My brother wanted to have a clear conscience. Listen to Romans 8:6. “If our minds are ruled by our desires, we will die. But if our minds are controlled by the Holy Spirit, we will have life and peace.” Jesus confirms: “It isn’t what’s on the outside that condemns a person, but what’s on the inside.”

It’s difficult to constantly have pure thoughts, but it’s a worthy goal that honors God. Romans 12:2 affirms that your mind can be renewed and made clean by the power of Christ within you. Shakespeare proclaimed, “To yourself be true," but this can be surpassed by committing yourself to being “faithful and true to Jesus Christ, who redeemed you.”

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Above all else, guard your heart, for it is the wellspring of life. Put away perversity from your mouth; keep corrupt talk far from your lips. 

~Proverbs 4:23-24 New International Version  

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What Gives Evidence of Your Redeemed Character?

Thoughts can affect your brain chemistry in significant ways. Someone confided that Sunday evening was the worst part of their week. Anticipating the challenges of their work schedule was emotionally draining even before the week began.

Making mistakes was out of the question for this person, so anything other than self-imposed excellence was unacceptable. These thoughts produced levels of anxiety that often seemed beyond containing. Aspiring for perfection is a worthy goal but indicates improvement is required.

While standing in the security line at the airport, a friend stepped on an expensive wedding ring.  He could have thought, “How fortunate!” but failure in character would be inexcusable. A frantic woman just ahead of him breathed a sigh of relief as she reclaimed her treasure she thought was lost forever.

By “doing unto others as you would have them do unto you,” you give evidence your character is being redeemed by the Lord Jesus Christ.                

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But now, this is what the Lord says – he  who created you…he who formed you… “Fear not, for I have redeemed you; I have summoned you by name; you are mine.” 

Isaiah 43:1 New International Version

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What Is a Formula for Change You Would Follow?

It’s important to believe that the capacity for excellence is available to believers in Christ Jesus. So what qualifies a person for excellence? The mindset for excellence depends on your desire for faith made possible through the presence of the Holy Spirit.

Striving for spiritual excellence may seem impossible due to the conflict of living up to the highest biblical standards and God’s grace and mercy. Becoming frustrated and irritable can appear to nullify the most ideal objectives and sabotage the best of intentions.

Would you like to know how to get back on track? Be pro-active in replacing negative thoughts and feelings these with these thoughts and feelings from Philippians 4:8: “Whatever is true and admirable, noble and lovely, pure and right, if anything is excellent and praiseworthy, think on these things.” Practice these truths until they become genuine.

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For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do. 

~Ephesians 2:10 New International Version

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Are God's Standards Too Difficult to Honor?

Someone recently proclaimed, “I owe it to myself to get as much out of life as possible. I intend to live life to the fullest.” These words echoed a familiar mantra from two groups. The first group has little regard for accountability. Reminds me of the prodigal son.

In the second group, how they measure up is decided by God himself. Stop and think for a moment how you rank yourself as a member of the family of Jesus Christ. Consider how you serve, the courage you expend in seeking excellence in all areas of your life.

Revelation 2:4-5 refers to a group of Christians who compromised their faith. When they tried to infiltrate the church at Ephesus, their attempt was rejected. Those faithful to Christ believed a day of reckoning was coming for failing to uphold the values of Christ. Never compromise or turn loose of your love for Christ. 

In him there is peace and security.

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Whatever you do, work at it with [your whole being], as though you were working for the Lord God and not for people. Remember that the Lord will give you as a reward what he has kept for his people.

 ~Colossians 3:23-24 Good News Bible 

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What Is the Most Difficult Battle You Have to Fight?

Comparing yourself to other people is unavoidable. It’s a way to measure your achievements against what others have achieved. The negative effect of comparing yourself to others is discovering personal deficiencies that generate discouragement.

How important you are, should be determined by God’s grace and mercy. Is your importance measured by opportunities to serve God, by how much you’ve learned, or through the courage expended seeking excellence each day of your life? Being too tired and weary signals burnout.

Refuse to be defeated in your struggle against evil and temptation. In Eugene Peterson’s The Message, the Apostle John advanced this challenge: “You walked away from your first love. Why? What’s going on? Do you realize how far you’ve fallen? Turn back! Rediscover your early first love. There is no time to waste.” Never let go of reaching for excellence in your love for Christ Jesus. 

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Words from Saint Paul: “For I am the least of the apostles and do not even deserve to be called an apostle, because I persecuted the church of God. But by the grace of God I am what I am, and his grace to me was not without effect. No, I worked harder than all of them – yet not I, but the grace of God that was with me.” 

~1 Corinthians 15:9-10 New International Version

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How Does Striving for Excellence Come into Being?

Accountability is an enduring summons that is met either with acceptance and enthusiasm or is pushed aside and rejected. Yes, it is possible to avoid responsibility for life’s choices and decisions whether  they’re positive or negative.

In truth, most people take advantage of opportunities that come their way. Pursuing excellence potentially promises an elevated meaning and purpose for life. Accountability strives to achieve the highest good that’s determined by your intelligence and other innate abilities.

For the Christian, this includes viewing life as an opportunity to be used by God to further his plan and purpose for your life. Pursuing excellence derives from believing you consistently do your best to achieve what’s possible. God is at work to give you an attitude of being worthy of the time you’re given in this life. When you are completely committed to Jesus Christ, striving for excellence is joyful.

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If you’ve gotten anything at all out of following Christ, if his love has made any difference in your life, if being in a community of the Spirit means anything to you, if you have a heart, if you care, then do me a favor: Agree with each other, love each other, be deep-spirited friends. 

~Philippians 2:1-2 The Message

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Should Anything Limit Striving for Accountability?

Do you think the word excellence has lost its appeal today as it applies to employment, education, morality, and ethics? Does excellence today identify what is only partially good and acceptable? Initially, loving God meant loving him without flaws.

When asked by his detractors, “What is the greatest commandment God gave us?” Jesus responded, “You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, soul, mind, and strength and love your neighbor as yourself.”

Accountability is dependent on striving for excellence regardless of  your limitations. Galatians 5:22-23 offers encouragement: “For the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control.” These attributes empower you to strive for the highest standard that pleases God while enriching your soul.

So be receptive as the Holy Spirit performs his transforming work in you.                   

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In a race, everyone runs but only one person gets first prize. So run your race to win. To win the contest, you must deny yourself many things that would keep you from doing your best. 

~1 Corinthians 9: 24-25a The Living Bible

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Have You Ever Thought of Yourself as Being Excellent?

When you think of something being defined as excellent, does it include superior quality like an excellent dinner that was outstanding? Have you thought of yourself as achieving excellence in any area of your personal life? Perhaps you were a 4.0 honor student or better.

Alexander the Great was an excellent military strategist. Herod the Great gained distinction for building an impressive temple in Jerusalem. Both of these famous leaders, however, had a dark side for which they had to be accountable.

Being accountable includes giving a personal evaluation of how you’ve lived by doing what was required. Jesus experienced deep sorrow and anxious moments in the Garden of Gethsemane, but when it came time to do what God sent him to accomplish, he gave himself completely. 

What does God expect of you that will prompt you to give an excellent report of yourself?                  

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You yourself must be an example to [others] of good deeds of every kind. Let everything you do reflect your love of the truth and the fact that you are in dead earnest about it. Your conversation should be so sensible and logical that anyone who wants to argue will be ashamed … because there won’t be anything to criticize in anything you say. 

Titus 2:7-8 The Living Bible 

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Is Accountability Entirely Worthwhile?

In a letter to Aristotle, Alexander the Great, wrote, “I would rather excel in the knowledge of what is excellent than in the extent of my personal power and dominion.” Alexander had conquered a large extent of the known world by 323 BC when he died at age 32.

Aristotle had recognized Alexander’s potential as a youngster and instilled in him that he was accountable for his giftedness and destiny. Accountability includes striving for the highest level of excellence determined by your intelligence and other innate abilities.

Accountability acknowledges giftedness and strives to use it for the benefit of others. Jesus was accountable to God his Father for emptying himself of all privileges to be a servant so you could have abundant life. Think then of what Jesus gave up and what you have gained by his sacrifice. Jesus never faltered in his purpose to serve God his Father. Can you adequately express your gratitude to him?

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There is nothing that can be hid from God; everything in all creation is exposed and lies open before his eyes. And it is to him that we must all give an account of ourselves. 

~Hebrews 4:13 Good News Bible

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Are There Limits to Our Accountability?

Accepting accountability evolves and changes, which in turn presents a continuous challenge on how to cope with problems that must be faced. Actually, we try to keep problems suppressed until a crisis or stressful event threatens exposure.

At this point self-regulation, or the ability to manage your emotions, behavior and speech, may be pushed to a breaking point. You are aware of unhealthy coping strategies that are triggered by unexpected changes. Healthy self-regulation demands self-control.

Accountability is being aware that every decision has a reality factor and you are responsible for that reality. Self-regulation made strong by God’s presence is a powerful coping strategy. Remember, God cares of his people, so he makes certain you know he is by your side. 

These are  wonderful words of encouragement and help. Praise God from whom all blessings flow!        

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Like a city whose walls are broken through is a person who lacks self-control.

~Proverbs 25:28 New International Version

 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. Against such things there is no law.

~Galatians 5:22-23 New International Version

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Should God Always Be Consulted for Guidance?

Coping with the problems of life is not a matter of if there will be issues, but how they are resolved. All children, as well as adults, will have to face the problems of life. Children learn from their parents that problems are a normal part of human existence.

Constructively coping with problems includes facing what needs to be done to resolve issues. Courage derives from realizing accountability is associated with how problems are managed. Self-regulation is the key to success or failure.

Being accountable admits that failure is a good teacher. Facing life’s difficulties takes into consideration that being corrected is necessary for making appropriate choices. Impulsively making an important choice while neglecting to consult God for guidance is a recipe for failure. Consulting God for guidance is a step of faith and trust as well as a wonderful privilege.

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Take delight in the Lord, and he will give you the desires of your heart. 

~Psalm 37:4 New International Version        

“So do not fear, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.”

~Isaiah 41:10 New International Version

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Why Should You Always Do What Is Good and Right?

The way courage fits in with being accountable is portrayed as modern day heroes who will spontaneously rescue someone in trouble. The majority of these heroes are not seeking fame. Instead, these acts of bravery are a normal human response to dangerous situations.

Does accountability have to be taught to us? Accountability is governed by the strength of courage that is closely bound up with a person’s moral and spiritual values. The indwelling Holy Spirit strengthens the will to do what is good and right.

Doing what is good and right simply because it is good and right is a simple definition of accountability. However it still requires courage to overcome any cause of hesitation.

Courage derives from confidence that the Lord God is your defense and power and his strength is your support and security. With this solid underpinning, it is possible to face whatever life presents. 

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Don’t shuffle along, eyes to the ground, absorbed with the things right in front of you. Look up, and be alert to what is going on around Christ – that’s where the action is. See things from his perspective.

~Colossians 3:2 The Message

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