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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Does Accountability Include Words Spoken and How We Live?

Accountability is difficult to feel comfortable with because everyone has acted irresponsibly. Who hasn’t spoken disparagingly about another person’s behavior or character when it was unwarranted? It’s amazing what words can be spoken in moments of reckless intent.

It’s frightening to realize we will be held accountable for every word we speak. In Psalm 141:3 David recognized the implications of reckless speech: “Set a guard over my mouth, O Lord: keep watch over the door to my lips. Let not my heart be drawn to what is evil.”

One of the Ten Commandments specifically states, “You shall not bear false witness against your neighbor or accuse anyone falsely.” David was aware that he would be held accountable for the words he spoke and for living an honorable life before God. “May the words of my mouth and the meditations of my heart be pleasing in your sight, O Lord, my Rock and my Redeemer.” That’s a request God will honor.

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

~2 Corinthians 5:10 New International Version

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Subscribe to the Attitudes Answers podcast on your favorite podcast platform to hear this and other 2-minute features 3 days every week.