Do Words Have Power to Determine Your Destiny?

What you say and how you act are important for those who practice maturity and good judgment in all of life’s situations. Accountability means to assume responsibility for every word spoken, for every deed and how these influence others.

 Accountability is an awesome word, for it points directly to character, integrity and honesty. Recently at the grocery store, the customer in front of me was incorrectly given ten dollars too much change.

The customer immediately returned the money to the young store employee, who was dismayed by the customer’s integrity and honesty. Romans 14:11-12 speaks to the issue of accountability: “‘As surely as I am the living God,’ says the Lord, ‘everyone will kneel before me, and everyone will confess that I am God.’ Every one of us then will have to give an account to God.” The words we speak and how we act determine our destiny. That’s something to think about and then make needed changes.  

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…From everyone who has been given much, much will be demanded; and from the one who has been entrusted with much, much more will be asked. ~Luke 12:48b New International Version

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It Takes Two + Humility + Action

It’s difficult to go to someone who was offended by our behavior and seek reconciliation. It’s equally challenging to accept an apology when we’ve been offended. Doubt, lack of trust and a desire to punish are obstacles to conflict resolution. However, it takes positive character strengths to humble oneself and seek reconciliation. If humility is missing, apologies may be rejected. 

          Frustration surfaces when we to try to connect with someone to make amends if we’re ignored or misinterpreted. Consequently, when a person listens and understands our efforts to make amends, we feel affirmed and validated. Making amends requires a mutual yearning to resolve conflict.

          Specific actions communicate more effectively than words alone. Jesus said if there’s conflict between you and another person, go do what’s necessary to make things right so conflict can be resolved. This includes words and action. Then we can present ourselves to Christ Jesus for worship.