submit to God

Accountability

Dr. Mike 2022 , , , ,

Colossians 3:23-24

 Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men, knowing that from the Lord you will receive the inheritance as your reward. You are serving the Lord Christ.

Paul writes the above passage addressed to bond-servants. The Greek word is Doulos which is translated as slave or servant in various writings. The word bond-servant is more appropriate as it relates to those who are under the authority of an earthly master whether as a paid laborer or an indenture servant.

In Christ’ time it is estimated that 1/3 of the population were slaves and another 1/3 were slaves at one time but became free later in life. So, when Jesus spoke about the greatest being a servant for all rather than lording over people, HE was stretching the cultural norms of the day. In fact, Paul and other church leaders including Jesus’ brothers James and Judas likewise acknowledged in their writings they were bond-servants to Jesus.

So as Christ-followers, we have chosen to become bond-servants of HIS. We have accepted the position to be ultimately held accountable by HIM. Though meanwhile we also have earthly associates to hold us accountable. Though they may not be perfect like our Lord, and may not even know our Lord, and may even be against our Lord, we accept their authority in our life to maintain law and order in the land. However, if they require us doing something against the authority of our Lord, then we defer to HIM first and accept the consequences of the matter.

Our reward comes from Jesus. He is our Lord, and we are citizens of HIS Kingdom. Paul writes elsewhere that you and I are only ambassadors in a foreign land. Whoever opposes us on Christ’s behalf, opposes HIM and will reap the consequences of their decision.      

Meanwhile, we are all accountable to someone in this life. Whether our mates, parents, friends, employers, clients, HOA’s, or governments, there is someone we are answerable too. Even the hermit living alone is still accountable to some authority in their world. For example, the land they reside on is under some governmental jurisdiction. Without accountability, we are left alone with our human tenancies which eventually will lead to ugly and destructive consequences. Most human-to-human destructive actions are the result of human leaders left alone without accountability for their actions. Any person without a stronger accountability source is playing god without the innate character to manage the situation.

As a Christ-follower, we have a proven leader who conquered his human desires, established a government which allows all to flourish in freedom, and paved the way for all to participate. Our highest priority is to first serve HIM and introduce others to HIM. Our reward is from HIM. In every situation, we first seek HIS will. Whenever we fail HIM, HE disciplines us. But HE also showers HIS grace upon us and restores us in HIM. We serve HIM in all matters, even when we hold ourselves accountable to others.  

Count it all joy to have an accountability partner or group who helps you through the maze of life.

Rooting For You in Christ!

Dr. Mike

Encourager & Author of e-Books 

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Lead Us

Dr. Mike Life Tools , ,

2 Corinthians 2:14

But thanks be to God, who always leads us as captives in Christ’s triumphal procession and uses us to spread the aroma of the knowledge of him everywhere.

As many of the ballroom dance partners have shared with me, when one’s partner is a good leader, the joy from dancing increases substantially. The same can be said is true in our dance with the Almighty. When we follow His lead, the journey is more enriching and enlightening.

Likewise, Paul mentions in this Scripture how God leads them in harmony within Jesus game plan to let others know Him wherever they go. And Paul thanks God for the action. In other Scriptures, he shows how the Holy Spirit refrain them from going in a certain direction by closing all avenues. Instead he was shown in a vision the way to go into Macedonia where the gospel was effectively proclaimed.

Asking God to lead you everyday in every area of your life is a smart move. Whether we are speaking about relationships at home or at work, whether we are speaking about family or business decisions, or whether we are speaking about community or national agendas, asking and seeking answers from the Almighty makes the road more effectively to travel.

But like ballroom dancing, it takes two. As He leads, we need to learn how to best follow. Some of us are better at discerning the situation then others. However, skills can be learned over time. The more time you spend with someone, the easier it becomes to anticipate and participate with the other person. The same is true with the Triune God.

So, we can ask Him daily to be led away from temptations, from harmful circumstances, and from poisonous situations. The more we invest time communicating with Him, the quicker we will hear, see, and act from His perspective rather than ours.

It takes two to tango. One leads and the other follows. So, know your position on the dance floor, learn the steps, and let the arm of God gently sway you with the music around the earthly ballroom of life. There is great joy being led by the Creator of Life who knows you better than you know yourself.    

Rooting For You in Christ!

Dr. Mike

Encourager & Founder of
Vocational Leadership 360
Author of e-Books:

 *  Dancing With God: Life-Giving Theology Explained
 *  Great Business Emulates a Good God
 *  Be Radical…Follow Christ!
 *  Simply The Messenger
 *  Unequally Married

Encourage a Friend…Share Today’s Message!

Copyright 2013-2019 Abbaco LLC | All Rights Reserved