Respect for others is a basic virtue God values very highly. It flows from His second greatest commandment; “You shall love your neighbor as yourself” (Mark 12:30-31). Accountability, likewise, is showing respect for others. As difficult as it often seems, it shows God we respect ALL those He created. It shows we understand that there is more to life in God than “taking care of #1—me.”
RELEVANCE
Being accountable to God and to others is more important to God than just following commandments; it shows we respect others as being appointed by God. It also shows that we acknowledge God’s sovereignty.
“For the Lord’s sake, respect all human authority—whether the king as head of state, or the officials he has appointed” (1 Peter 2:13 NLT).
REFLECT AND RELATE
Why is it sometimes difficult to want to be accountable for our actions?
What happens when somebody is penalized due to our errors?
REFERENCES
Romans 13:8; Galatians 5:14; James 2:8