One of the most essential characteristics of a person who is a role model for others is accountability. One definition of accountability is the acceptance of responsibility for one’s own actions. It implies a willingness to be transparent, and allowing others to observe who we really are.

I must confess that I was disappointed that Representative Liz Cheney loss the Wyoming primary while vowing to do all in her power to keep Donald Trump out of the White House. We must admire this woman who has served on the House Committee investigating the January 6 attack on the Capitol. Her honesty and integrity have given us reason to believe she is interested in doing what is right. I often wonder how some of our leaders go home to their families when you know they are living in a cesspool. This woman has maintained her accountability to the public service job she took an oath to uphold.   

The question I ask today is, “Where are our genuine heroes, authentic men and women who are willing to stand up for what is right regardless of the consequences?” This lady stood up for what she believes will help preserve our democracy. Honest and trustworthy people will take risk for the sake of doing what is right. It does not matter whether Liz Cheney is Republican or Democrat, the mere fact that she took the risk knowing it would impact her political career speaks volumes.

People like Liz Cheney are presently in short supply, but great demand. Where are the people who model excellence at all times, regardless as to whether it is in their homes, communities, jobs, churches, etc.? These would be people who are committed to telling the truth regardless of how much it hurts, a willingness to admit the truth no matter how difficult or humiliating admitting the truth could be.

Let’s see what scripture has to say about accountability: (1) Accountability is a must with God. “The good man out of his good treasure brings forth what is good, and the evil man out of his evil treasure brings forth what is evil. And I say to you, that every careless word that men speak, they shall render account for it in the day of judgment” (Matthew 12:35-36). What we do know is that there will be a day when we will have to give an account of ourselves before God. For it is written, “As I live, says the Lord, every knee shall bow to me and every tongue shall give praise to God.” (2) Accountability of our spiritual and world leaders is of utmost importance. 

For if our spiritual leaders and political leaders are corrupt and evil, what should be expected of us? Hebrews 13:17 says, “Obey your leaders, and submit to them; for they keep watch over your souls, as those who will give and account. Let them do this with joy and not with grief, for this would be unprofitable for you.” Our spiritual leaders have an awesome responsibility. For they are to keep watch over our souls, but before they can keep watch over our souls, they must first keep watch over their own souls. Too often pastors are criticized for expecting a commitment to excellence within the church and in our personal lives. (3) Accountability to one another is healthy. “If we live by the Spirit, let us also walk by the Spirit. Let us not become boastful, challenging one another, envying one another.”

In all that we do, we should be accountable for it. To all married couples, accountability needs to be built into the relationship, otherwise we may see the marriage deteriorate over a period of time.

We parents need to hold our children accountable. The home is an ideal place to start teaching our children accountability. They have to be accountable in school, on their jobs, in sports, etc., so why not at home?    

All of us would do ourselves some good if we had persons in our personal lives who would hold us accountable for our actions. For if we allow ourselves to become unaccountable, we may become a danger to ourselves and to those we love. An unaccountable political leader, if not held accountable, can cause a nation to lose its democracy.

All of us this morning should ask the question, “Am I accountable to anyone outside of my family?” A person who will be upfront and frank with us. It would behoove us to find a committed person who would make honest observations and share them with us. Today, we need accountability like never before. It seems as if we have developed an “anything goes behavior.”

Even Jesus walked the earth, He submitted to the Father’s will. We find in scripture that Jesus always did the things that pleased the Father. The Son of God was accountable to His heavenly Father.

When Jesus selected his twelve disciples, men who were expected to spread the gospel, they were accountable to Jesus. They eventually became accountable to each other.

Proverbs 13: 10, 14, 18, 20 sums it up best: “Through presumption comes nothing but strife, but with those who receive counsel is wisdom…The teaching of the wise is a fountain of life, to turn aside from the snares of death…Poverty and shame will come to him who neglects discipline, but he who regards reproof will be honored…He who walks with wise men will b wise, but the companion of fools will suffer harm.” 

Warning, God is watching and holding all of us accountable for our actions!

Not a sermon, just my thoughts!

Robert Earl Slade, Pastor