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God has entrusted humankind—both individually and collectively—with
responsibility. Humankind is, therefore, answerable to God.
Initially,
God gave humans the responsibility of multiplying, subduing the earth,
and having dominion over creation (Gen 1:28). As God revealed
more of
himself to man, man was given greater responsibility, therefore, being
more accountable.
Jesus told several parables in which responsibility
and accountability are at the center. Illustrative is the parable
of
the talents. Before a man went on a journey, he entrusted money
to his
servants. When he returned, each servant had to give an answer
for what
he had done with the money assigned to him. To those who doubled
their
money, the master exclaimed, "Well done!" However, the one who
hid the
money in the ground was severely judged for his irresponsibility (Matt
25:14-30; see also Luke 19:11-27).
The Bible continually emphasizes the fact that the
greater the privilege the greater the responsibility or
accountability.
Jesus concluded the teaching of a parable with the statement, "From
everyone who has been given much, much will be demanded; and from the
one who has been entrusted with much, much more will be asked" (Luke
12:48). Peter noted that judgment begins with the family of God
(1
Peter 4:17). The Lord revealed to Ezekiel what he expected of his
people and the dangers of disobedience.
The prophet is a watchman who
is accountable to warn the people when danger comes (3:18-20;
33:6-8).
On another occasion, the Lord spoke to Israel, "You only have I chosen
of all the families of the earth; therefore I will punish you for all
your sins" (Amos 3:2).
The sin-nature in man seeks to shirk responsibility
and to blame others for failures. There are a number of
illustrations
in Scripture in which a person attempted to shift responsibility for
their action onto others. Adam was quick to point his finger to
Eve,
and ultimately to the Lord, for the sin in which he found
himself. Adam was the one told not to eat of the tree of good and
evil, (Gen 2:16-17) Eve was not created until (v22) but likewise, Eve
sought to lay the blame on the serpent (Gen 3:13). Sarai became
upset
with Abram when Hagar bore him a child, even though Abraham was
following Sarah's advice (Gen 16:1-5). Esau complained that Jacob
"deceived" him and got the birthright, when in fact he had sold it to
his brother (compare Gen 27:36; with Gen 25:27-34). Aaron would
not own up to the fact that he had formed the golden calf (Exod
32:21-24 compare to Ex. 32:2-4). Pilate wanted to wash his hands
of
Jesus' death (Matt 27:24).
The Bible teaches both corporate and individual
accountability. Solidarity in accountability is seen early in
Scripture. For example, at Sinai, the Lord commanded the people
not to
make an idol to worship. If they did, he would punish the
children for
the idolatry of the fathers "to the third and fourth generation of
those who hate me, 'but he would show' love to a thousand generations
of those who love me and keep my commandments" (Exod 20:5; Deut
5:9).
Likewise, in the wilderness, Moses affirmed that although the Lord is
slow to anger, "he does not leave the guilty unpunished; he punishes
the children for the sin of the fathers to the third and fourth
generation" (Num 14:18). One sees how this principle worked its
way out
in a historical setting at Jericho. Not only was Achan held
accountable
for his misdeeds; the other family members were also punished (Joshua
7:24-25) (Read entire chapter of 7 for the whole story). On the
other
hand, Moses specifically commands that parents should not be held
accountable for their children's sins nor should children suffer the
consequences of their parents' sin; "each is to die for his own sin"
(Deut 24:16). During the Babylonian exile, Ezekiel amplified the
ramifications of this latter verse, arguing that it was not the sins of
the fathers but the sin of his generation that was being judged.
He
quoted a proverb: "The fathers eat sour grapes, and the
children's
teeth are set on edge" (Ezek 18:2; see also Jer 31:29). Ezekiel
commanded them to quit hiding behind the proverb; they were also
accountable. Instead, he had them focus on the truth that "The soul who
sins is the one who will die" (Ezek 18:4) and "The righteousness of the
righteous man will be credited to him, and the wickedness of the wicked
will be charged against him" (Ezek 18:20).
Paul addressed the issue of accountability
most extensively in the Book of Romans. He affirmed that God is
righteous and his judgment is based on truth (Rom 2:2).
Each person
individually will give an account to God (Rom 14:12). Humankind
rejected truth, choosing instead to follow a lie and worship created
things rather than the Creator (Rom 1:25). To the Israelites, God
gave
the Law; it brought privilege but also greater responsibility (Rom
2:17-24). In various ways, the Israelites demonstrated that they
were opposed to God. Paul affirmed that no one was righteous; all
had
sinned and fell short of the glory of God (Rom 3:10, 23). The
whole
world is accountable to God (Rom 3:19). However, God has revealed
a righteousness that comes through faith to
all who believe in Jesus
Christ (Rom 3:22). Jews as well as Gentiles must acknowledge
their
sinfulness and repent, trusting in Christ's finished work on the cross
(Rom 3:29-30; Rom 5:6-9).
As we look back at our lives can we see where we
have fallen short and pointed the finger at whatever or whoever to try
to excuse our behavior? Is it truly our parents fault for the way
we live as adults? A simple example can be used in
myself. When I first got married I can remember saying to Jenifer
that I could be a more mature Christian if my parents would have set a
better example for my faith. That may be so but I have a
responsibility in that, I could have studied the Bible seeking a relationship
with God and sought out
Godly mentors especially now that I am an adult, there is no excuse, I
have the choice to do anything I like.
I have heard way too many times “I can’t help it,
that is just how I was raised” so you choose to raise your family
subject to the same lifestyle just because that was how you were
raised. Now is the time to take responsibility for our own
actions, we can no longer hide behind the past to excuse the
future. We are without excuse. (Romans 1:20)
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