Devotional: Accountable

Accountable

Principle: The one who raises the standard must live by the standard.

Few of us would argue this point, but it seems that there is a lot of question about who this actually applies to. In the Book of James, we find a strong verse of scripture that needs further attention. James said, "My brethren, let not many of you become teachers, knowing that we shall receive a stricter judgment" (James 3:1). This certainly makes sense concerning responsibility, but who is the teacher? Is it the one who preaches from the pulpit, or the one who leads the bible study? The answer is yes, most definitely, but the answer is also not exclusive to these only. Remember the words of Jesus when He said, "Situations that cause people to lose their faith are certain to arise. But how horrible it will be for the person who causes someone to lose his faith! It would be best for that person to be thrown into the sea with a large stone hung around his neck than for him to cause one of these little ones to lose his faith" (Luke 17:1-2, God's Word Translation).

I believe Jesus was insinuating that our lives, as Christians, are teaching others, so beware! If you are living in such a way that it causes others to stumble, there will be accountability. Obviously, there is grace for new believers as they are growing in the Lord and learning to walk in their new life. But none of us stay in that place. We are all supposed to grow and move beyond the "baby" stage. And although we all know some who have never progressed as they should, God's expectation of us is there nonetheless. "For though by this time you ought to be teachers, you need someone to teach you again the first principles of the oracles of God; and you have come to need milk and not solid food" (Hebrews 5:12). That's accountability! In other words, after a reasonable time we are all expected to transition from student to teacher. It is correction for God to have to teach us "...again the elementary truths of God's Word..." We should be living them. And this is why all believers eventually fall in the category of teacher, whether you are in full-time ministry or not. Maybe you sing on your Praise and Worship team or you assist in Children's Ministry or you are a faithful greeter at the front doors of your church every week! In any of those examples, someone is watching you. What are you doing at home? How are you acting at the ballgame when your team is losing? Or at the grocery store when there's not enough help?

Paul told Timothy, "...be an example to the believers in word, in conduct, in love, in spirit, in faith, in purity" (1 Timothy 4:12). Yes, Timothy was a pastor and it was imperative that his life be an example to the flock, but it's a good word for all of us. Paul told Titus (another young pastor) to "Tell believers to live the kind of life that goes along with accurate teachings. Tell older men to be sober. Tell them to be men of good character, to use good judgment, and to be well-grounded in faith, love, and endurance. Tell older women to live their lives in a way that shows they are dedicated to God. Tell them not to be gossips or addicted to alcohol, but to be examples of virtue. In this way they will teach young women to show love to their husbands and children, to use good judgment, and to be morally pure... Encourage young men to use good judgment. Always set an example by doing good things... be an example of moral purity and dignity" (Titus 2:1-7). Titus was the pastor, but Paul instructed him to not only be an example himself but to tell the believers that they too need to live this way. None of us are exempt.

I do believe that ministers are held at a stricter judgment. I take this very seriously in my own life. But I also believe that any believer who is living in sin and compromising their walk with God - all while remaining in any position where they are put before others - will receive a stricter judgment as well. Therefore, we need to know this and act accordingly. It's okay to remove yourself from the spotlight if you are going through a struggle. I have great respect for any person who recognizes that their struggle may be a stumbling block to another. I'm not saying that we shouldn't fight to overcome or that there isn't grace available. On the contrary, the Word of God says, "Brethren, if a man (or woman) is overtaken in any trespass; you who are spiritual restore such a one in a spirit of gentleness, considering yourself lest you also be tempted" (Galatians 6:1). And we are encouraged to "...come boldly to the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy and find grace to help in our time of need" (Hebrews 4:16). I love the Message Translation here; it says "Take the mercy. Accept the help."

God is gracious and understanding. But He is also holy. "Let not many of you become teachers, knowing that we shall receive a stricter judgment" because the one who raises the standard must live by the standard.