Our title is taken from Jesus’ words in Matthew 12:36, “But I say to you that for every idle word men may speak, they will give account of it in the day of judgment.” While the context specifies words, the truth is that the concept of accountability is an integral part of God’s dealing with every aspect of mankind’s conduct — words, thoughts, and actions. The phrase Jesus used here, “they will give account” (apodid?mi logos), is defined by Thayer in this here as an “answer or explanation in reference to judgment.” “Therefore we make it our aim, whether present or absent, to be well pleasing to Him. For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, that each one may receive the things done in the body, according to what he has done, whether good or bad” (2 Corinthians 5:9-10).
It may be helpful to note that in judgment, efforts on our part to defend our actions will not take place. We won’t be able to ask for mercy at this time. The decision will have already been made, the standard is known, and on that occasion the penalty for ungodliness will be meted out. We glory in God’s mercy. It is only because God sent His Son who died for us that we have any hope of eternal life. However, we must acknowledge God’s justice as well. He has clearly established what He expects from man, and has just as clearly revealed the consequence of failing to meet those expectations. “For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men…” (Romans 1:18).
This is one of the primary purposes of God’s plan for the local church. As we develop our relationships as brothers and sisters of Christ, we become accountability partners in our efforts to serve the Lord. It is comforting to know that we have brethren who love us and are looking out for our spiritual welfare. “Brethren, if a man 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. Bear one another’s burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ” (Galatians 6:1-2).
The idea of holding each other accountable obviously can be a bit uncomfortable. No one among us likes to be told we are wrong. Even more disturbing is to be told we are guilty of disobeying God. However, the wise man embraces such. “He who keeps instruction is in the way of life, but he who refuses correction goes astray” (Proverbs 10:17).
There are limitations in this which we must observe and accept. We are not to be a “busybody in other people’s matters” (1 Peter 4:15). We are not to be divisive (cf. 2 Timothy 2:23). We are not to be like Diotrephes, “prating against [others] with malicious words” (3 John 10). We are not to be guilty of unrighteous judgment (cf. Matthew 7:1). The primary consideration in a righteous support of one another is love. My interactions with you, holding you accountable for your actions, should emanate from my love for your soul. If this is reciprocated by you, good comes to both of us. “Be kindly affectionate to one another with brotherly love, in honor giving preference to one another” (Romans 12:10). Do you love your brother? “Brethren, if anyone among you wanders from the truth, and someone turns him back, let him know that he who turns a sinner from the error of his way will save a soul from death and cover a multitude of sins” (James 5:19-20).
A second part of this comes from the one who is receiving the admonition or instruction from his brother or sister in Christ. Are you willing to be held accountable? Are you willing to concede that your brother has your soul’s well being in view? Are you willing to seek out help from your brethren? “Confess your trespasses to one another, and pray for one another, that you may be healed. The effective, fervent prayer of a righteous man avails much” (James 5:16). This can be hard to do. But if we acknowledge the love of our brethren, and understand their desire for our spiritual welfare, we will embrace their efforts to pray for and help us. It means something to be a part of the body of Christ, both in way of obligation and benefit. “And if one member suffers, all the members suffer with it; or if one member is honored, all the members rejoice with it” (1 Corinthians 12:26).
Ultimately it is best that we hold each other accountable. It is better to get right with God now, than it is to be judged unworthy in the final day. We know that if no one else does, God will, and His judgment is eternal! “And the dead were judged according to their works, by the things which were written in the books… And anyone not found written in the Book of Life was cast into the lake of fire” (Revelation 20:12, 15).
It is important to not let shame or pride interfere in our holding one another accountable to God. We are to love our brethren and be willing to be recipients of that same love from them. As we strengthen our relationship, this is a benefit supplied to us by God Himself. He planned for our needs by supplying the local church. He knows that we depend upon the love and concern of our brethren. Sometimes it is easy. Sometimes it is hard. But it is always a demonstration of our love for each other!
