Accountability

Write From My Heart

August 20, 2020

Accountability

James 3:1-2 (NLT)

Dear brothers and sisters, not many of you should become teachers in the church, for we who teach will be judged more strictly. Indeed, we all make many mistakes. For if we could control our tongues, we would be perfect and could also control ourselves in every other way.

            I love to write. As I have told many students—writing is simply talking on paper, so whatever you would say, simply write that down on paper and before you know it you’ll have an essay. Yet I know that what I write holds me accountable. I have always tried my best to understand God’s word and keep my writing aligned with scripture. And for the most part, I think I do fairly well. For this I am thankful to my family—generations of God-fearing folk who taught their children well. I am also thankful for guidance from our Heavenly Father who provides wisdom and understanding. This is a good thing, too, because I really do think those of us who strive to teach from scripture are held to a higher standard to be accurate, and to live a life that is an example of what we profess.

            Nevertheless, as scripture also reminds us, we all make many mistakes. I am certainly no better than anyone else in this regard. I make plenty of mistakes—all the time, even daily. But it’s that little mischief-maker, the tongue, that always seems to get in the way. Sometimes even when I think I’m being funny or clever, I can say the dumbest things. I know I’m not alone; I know others struggle with this issue, too. But I am accountable for me. You are accountable for you.

            When I’m feeling particularly overwhelmed, embarrassed, or regretful; here is the passage I turn to for guidance and redirection:

James 3:13 and 17-18 (NLT)

If you are wise and understand God’s ways, prove it by living an honorable life, doing good works with the humility that comes from wisdom.  … But the wisdom from above is first of all pure. It is also peace loving, gentle at all times, and willing to yield to others. It is full of mercy and good deeds. It shows no favoritism and is always sincere. And those who are peacemakers will plant seeds of peace and reap a harvest of righteousness.

            I am accountable for me. You are accountable for you. But God loves each of us and he stands ready to extend his mercy and grace to us. God is never more than a prayer away.