Accountability: Part II

Accountability seems to me easy to explain and easy to understand. It is nothing more than saying, "I did it." You could say it another way in saying, "I am personally responsible for ..."

The Apostle Paul understood accountability. He was accountable first to Jesus, and then to himself. He framed his actions knowing that the strength and power in his mission was in direct relationship to holding himself accountable to Christ. That is not to say that it did not take a monumental change in perspective. The self-proclaimed "Chief of Sinners" fell blind, but when his eyes were opened and his sight restored, he was instantly a different man.

He became a "Man on a Mission." He became a "Man on Fire." What Paul became was a man with a "passion" for Jesus and His people. He cared not if you were a Jew or Gentile; he felt a personal responsibility to reach those for the glory and the kingdom of God.

He personified Jesus, and perfected his craft in the cities, villages, synagogues and public forums. Paul became the "mouthpiece" that Jesus desired and needed to advance the early Christian church. His profession was speaking and writing to the leaders and those he felt may be influential in furthering his cause. Other than God, their was no "superhuman figure" who could challenge or change his unwavering commitment in spreading the gospel story. He was sent on a mission, he was diligent in following instruction and he "ran the good race" for Jesus Christ.

In 2 Corinthians 5:7-10 Paul writes, "For we live by faith, not by sight. We are confident, I say, and would prefer to be away from the body and at home with the Lord. So we make it our goal to please him, whether we are at home in the body or away from it. For we must all appear before the judgment 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."

Talk about a "punch in the throat?" Like me, many of you may also feel as if those few verses hit you like a "ton of bricks." Enough with the bad taste in figurative language, let's dissect those 4 verses in 2 Corinthians 5.

Verse 7:  Living by faith is not an easy task. Faith is something that we must grow into. It takes daily action and thought to increase your personal faith muscle. One way to do so is to have a "running conversation" with God. Make it a point to allow Him to bear the challenges that you face. When you can clearly see the outcome, your faith will be increased.

Verse 8:  Despite Paul knowing that he had a mission to complete, he longed to be with Jesus in heaven. A "heavenly mindset" allows us to both strengthen and be effective in our work. Be able to say, "Not my will, but Yours be done."

Verse 9:  This verse seems to me a challenge. When we reach heaven, there will be no pain. Not so on earth. Strive to be the best you can be. On earth, we can undoubtedly never be perfect. It's not possible. If we attempt to "stay at home" in the body of Christ, we will be able to harness His power with the aid of the Holy Trinity.

Verse 10:  The end of this verse could easily make us all uneasy. We will face judgment. Remember that there is no sin greater than any other. Doing our best, and striving to stay away from and thwart sin as it surely will come helps build a barrier from the devil and builds a stronger relationship with Jesus. That is what He desires; a relationship.

Start today by having a running conversation with Jesus. Ask for His help in the known and unknown. Develop plans with the aid of the Holy Spirit by asking for His protection and for Him to intervene where you will not have answers. Look to heaven, and attempt to emulate God's wonderful work in the present. Fear not judgment; focus more on your work for the Lord.