HelpFinder Bible - Flipbook - Page 21
page A19
• L U K E 1 6 :1 1 | “And if you are untrustworthy about worldly wealth, who will trust you with
the true riches of heaven?”
• PSA L M 9 0 :1 2 | Teach us to realize the brevity of life, so that we may grow in wisdom.
• E PH E SI A NS 5 :1 5 -1 6 | So be careful how you live. Don’t live like fools, but like those who
are wise. Make the most of every opportunity in these evil days.
You are accountable for your resources: how you spend your money, time, energy, and talents.
How do I become more accountable?
• PSA L M 1 1 9 :9 , 6 6 | How can a young person stay pure? By obeying your word. . . . Now
teach me good judgment and knowledge. (See note on page 542.)
• PSA L M 1 :1 | Oh, the joys of those who do not follow the advice of the wicked.
• PR O VE R B S 2 7 :6 | Wounds from a sincere friend are better than many kisses from an enemy.
To become more accountable, commit yourself to follow God’s commands as outlined
in his Word, the Bible. And choose wise friends who you can freely and safely give an
account of yourself to.
What happens when there is no accountability?
Left unaccountable, we will almost always lean toward sin. The consequences of those
sins will hurt not only us but many others, including God.
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• J U DG E S 1 7 :6 | The people did whatever seemed right in their own eyes.
• 1 SA MU E L 1 3 :1 1 -1 2 | Saul replied, “I saw . . . you didn’t arrive when you said you would.
. . . I felt compelled to offer the burnt offering myself.” (See note on page 255.)
• 1 K I NG S 1 2 :8 -1 1 | But Rehoboam rejected the advice of the older men and instead asked
the opinion of the young men who had grown up with him. . . . The young men replied, “[Tell
them] ‘. . . My father laid heavy burdens on you, but I’m going to make them even heavier!’ ”
• E X O DU S 1 8 :2 1 -2 2 | “But select from all the people some capable, honest men who fear
God and hate bribes. . . . They will help you carry the load, making the task easier for you.”
Friends are not always the best advisers, especially if their counsel is not consistent with
God’s Word, or if they tell you only what you want to hear.
How can I effectively hold someone else accountable?
• T I T U S 1 :7 -8 | He must not be arrogant or quick-tempered. . . . He must live wisely and be
just. He must live a devout and disciplined life.
If you are going to minister to others by holding them accountable, you must be wise,
honest, godly, and trustworthy.
Is it really important for others to hold us accountable?
• PR O VE R B S 1 2 :1 5 | Fools think their own way is right, but the wise listen to others.
Good advisers keep us from actions that can hurt us.
What if I don’t want anyone to know certain things about me?
• J E R E MI A H 2 3 :2 4 | “Can anyone hide from me in a secret place? Am I not everywhere in all
the heavens and earth?” says the Lord. (See note on page 688.)
What you withhold now is likely to be exposed at a later time. So why not seek advice
now? Besides, God knows all the secrets in our hearts. If you’re going to take accountability seriously, you cannot hide anything from the one who you are accountable to.
Does God really hold us accountable for all our actions?
• E C C L E S I A S T E S 1 1 :9 | Young people, it’s wonderful to be young! Enjoy every minute of it.
Do everything you want to do; take it all in. But remember that you must give an account
to God for everything you do.
Enjoy life, but stay within God’s guidelines. God will hold us accountable for everything we
do. Who wants to explain ungodliness to a holy God on the Day of Judgment?
HelpFinder
How can I choose people to hold me more accountable?