Action and Word Accountability

June 14, 2022

For we must all stand before Christ to be judged. We will each receive whatever we deserve for the good or evil we have done in this earthly body. 2 Corinthians 5:10 NLT

And I tell you this, you must give an account on judgment day for every idle word you speak. Matthew 12:36 NLT

Just this week I read articles on leadership and accountability. The author reminded us that accountability is not a bad word, and it is not micromanagement. It is a true gift because accountability, knowing I am held responsible, helps me be my best self and live out my best purpose.

Paul and Jesus both posted clear billboards to tell us that we are accountable for our relationships. Another leadership principle is that you inspect what is important. God says He will inspect our words and actions for good or evil results. Nothing impacts our relationships more than our words and actions. In fact, they are the building materials of relationships. If God is going to hold us accountable for them and their health (good) or unhealth (evil), we must willingly hold ourselves accountable in the here and now.

God has equipped each of us with minds, ears, and eyes. We can think, listen, and watch to see how our actions impact others. Stop and think about a relationship in your life in which you want to grow and thrive. You know the things that make their eyes light up, the things that make them feel seen, noticed, and valued, don’t you? When you know what to do, it’s neglectful and unloving to refuse to do it. Likewise, you just as surely know the things that hurt them, the buttons you can push, the triggers that make them get angry, withdraw, feel isolated or undervalued. Especially in our closest relationships, we rarely accidentally stumble into trouble. We walk in, eyes wide open. We just don’t care in the moment.

Our words are such powerful tools. The Bible says we have the power to either give life or death with them. Jesus loves each of us so much that He wants us to value each other with our words, choosing them responsibly. He said we are accountable for the things we say casually or idly; the things we say without thought or actively in anger. Think about it—over the last week is there anyone who comes to mind whose shoulders drooped, tears came to their eyes, or the light went out because of what you said to them or about them?

• Our words and our actions are determining the health of our relationships. And we are accountable. If God brings to your mind a situation where forgiveness and repair is needed, don’t delay. Take care of it today.