Accountability

By Sidharth Mohandas

Introduction

In continuation to the series on Eternal Judgment, I would like to deal with the subject of accountability. Every man, irrespective of who he is, will have to give an account on the Day of Judgment (Romans 14:12).

The Lord sets forth to us the principles of judgment in the form of two parables: the parable of the talents (Matthew 25:14-30 ESV), and the parable of the minas (Luke 19:11-27) In both these parables we find different quantities of talents/minas being entrusted  to three different individuals (Note: A talent was a unit of coinage/money, equivalent to around fifteen year’s wages). The sums were entrusted to each based on their ability to use it effectively (Matthew 25:15). 

Notice that in these parables the one who gained 5 talents and 2 talents received the same commendation from the Lord. (Matthew 25:20-23). This shows that God weighs our work with reference to what He has called us and enabled us to do, and not by the size of the task. On the other hand, the person who had received one talent, who had dug a hole and buried his talent, was severely criticized for not investing the talent (Matthew 25:18). Like many today, who blame God for their ineffectiveness due to His withholding some gifts or talents from them, the third man  pointed to his master’s character to justify his failure (Matthew 25:24-25). “If only I had the gifts of healings”… “If only I could sing well…”. Does that ring a bell?!

Judgment according to light received

God’s judgment of our works is based on what we have done with what was given to us. Scripture tells us that from everyone who has been given much, much will be demanded (Luke 12:48). A person who has been given more light (from the Scriptures) would be judged more severely (James 3:1). This is why Jesus said “If the miracles that were performed in you (Capernaum) had been performed in Sodom, it would have remained to this day. But I tell you that it will be more bearable for Sodom on the Day of Judgment than for you (Capernaum).” (Matthew 11:23-24). In other words, though both Sodom and Capernaum rejected God, the judgment of Capernaum would be more severe than that of Sodom because Capernaum was given more light of God through the working of miracles. But mind you, this should not be taken as an excuse for staying away from knowing more of God and His ways.

Accountability

Let’s move onto some foundational aspects of accountability now. First and foremost, we must realize that each one of us was created FOR HIM (Colossians 1:16b). Let those two words sink deep within you. You were not created for yourself, but for His purpose. What if your refrigerator pushes you out of your seat and starts playing computer games all day long? Imagine such a scene! Well, surely that’d be interesting to watch, but it wouldn’t be fulfilling the purpose it was created for. This must make us ask whether we  are fulfilling the purpose for which we were created.

Secondly, what we receive from Him is given for the expansion and establishment of His kingdom: the body that we have– our eyes, our mouth, our hands, our feet, the time that is given to us, the money we are given, the words we speak, our attitudes and motives, our relationships– those in the faith, family, relatives, friends, neighbors, colleagues, opportunities we receive and so forth. It is for you to judge now, but a time will come when you will be judged by Him who judges impartially.

Therefore, may we lead  our lives with a clear conscience, and in the fear of the Lord, for every work, good or bad will be laid bare before the Judge of all men one day (2 Corinthians 5:10-11).

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