In reading the commentary about the Atlanta Falcons/Washington Redskins game from this past weekend, there was a question asked of Redskins safety Clinton-Dix. Sunday was his first game with Washington and even though the Redskins lost this one he said he appreciated his new teammates. He said he liked that the Redskins had “a culture of accountability.”
I could not help but think about Christians today. It is more than clear that we have diluted if not lost our “culture of accountability.” Used to be we would be held accountable to stay focused in our walk. Likewise, we would hold each other accountable as this journey is often quite challenging. I am not talking about judging here but lovingly holding each other accountable and praying each other up with no record of wrong.
Do Not Be Deceived
Much has changed in a seemingly short period of time as family structure has become eroded; sexual promiscuity has become the norm; what is wrong is now called right and what is right is now called wrong. This is all foretold in the Bible but it is still sad to observe more and more in this world.
Make no mistake; you cannot have one foot in the world and one in the Kingdom of God. Following Christ is really an all or nothing journey. I never mean to imply you will be perfect as we are all human and fall short daily. But if you are compromising and continue to compromise in the same areas there is really no repentance. To repent means to turn from something and go forward in a new direction.
A Moral Code Worth Living
A friend of mine frequently uses the phrase “moral code.” There is in fact a moral code. It is called the Ten Commandments. These are not the Ten Suggestions. They are the Ten Commandments. They are clear and when you purpose to live within those parameters your life will reflect holiness and peace despite what may be going on around you in the natural. P.S. They were never rescinded.
So, check your walk. Read the Ten Commandments slowly and with your life in mind. How are you measuring up? Again, you will not be perfect but your walk should improve as time goes on.
If you are still stuck in a destructive sin pattern that does not line up with the Word of God, purpose to change today. Make sure those you allow into your close circle are sold out and love you enough to catch you when you start to fall. Make sure they love you enough, should you fall, to help you get back up and dust yourself off to go forward in Him.
And if you are fortunate enough to have such a team, listen to the truth they speak, even if you do not want to hear it. Do not compromise. Do not walk away from someone who speaks God’s truth into your life. Sin can be very enticing but truth trumps every time.
Does Your Team Reflect “A Culture of Accountability?”
I had a challenging personal situation in my own life this year. It was intense and although I could see spiritually what was going on, the encounter in the natural was quite extreme. Some spoke the world to me. Some spoke the Word. Thank God I could hear the difference.
Blessed to have a few seasoned warriors in my corner, I reached out to them to cover the situation. Each one spoke strongly into the circumstance. They spoke emphatically that God’s Word would prevail. They also reminded me who I am in Christ and Whose I am in this life. Their words were very powerful even though I readily admit I struggled for a moment. Holding me accountable kept me accountable. A sold out team is imperative today!
We are in very treacherous times indeed. Many are falling away. Do not be one of them! Borrowing from Washington Redskins safety Clinton-Dix, appreciate your teammates and set around you “a culture of accountability.”
For It Is Written
~The Ten Commandments: You shall have no other gods before Me. You shall not make any graven images/idols. (Anything or anyone you put before God in your life becomes an idol or god). You shall not take the name of the Lord thy God in vain. Remember the sabbath day and keep it holy. Honor your father and mother. You shall not kill. You shall not commit adultery. You shall not steal. You shall not bear false witness (gossip) against another. You shall not covet/ desire that of another’s (this includes their spouse, home, car, lifestyle or life). Exodus 20: 3-17
~”Enter through the narrow gate. For wide is the gate and broad and easy to travel is the path that leads the way to destruction and eternal loss, and there are many who enter through it. Because narrow is the gate and difficult is the way which leads to life, and there are few who find it.” Jesus Matthew 7:13-14
~“Not everyone who says to Me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ shall enter the kingdom of heaven, but he who does the will of My Father in heaven. Many will say to Me in that day, ‘Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in Your name, cast out demons in Your name, and done many wonders in Your name? And then I will declare to them, ‘I never knew you; depart from Me, you who practice lawlessness!’” Jesus Matthew 7:21-23
~” And then many will fall away and betray one another and hate one another. And many false prophets will arise and lead many astray. And because lawlessness will be increased, the love of many will grow cold. But the one who endures to the end will be saved. And this gospel of the kingdom will be proclaimed throughout the whole world as a testimony to all nations, and then the end will come.” Jesus Matthew 24:10-20
~ But the Spirit explicitly says that in later times some will fall away from the faith, paying attention to deceitful spirits and doctrines of demons… 1 Timothy 4:1
~Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love. Ephesians 4:2
~ Iron sharpens iron; so a man sharpens the countenance of his friend. Proverbs 27:17
~Brethren, if a man be overtaken in a fault, you who are spiritual, restore such a one in the spirit of meekness; considering yourself, lest you also could be tempted. Bear one another’s burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ. Galatians 6:1-2
It Is Never Too Late!
If you have not yet made the decision to accept Jesus into your heart, do it now. Do not wait another minute. Speak to Him from your heart (for it is always a heart issue). Tell Him you have fallen short in your life. Sincerely apologize for your sins. Ask Him to cleanse you and come into your heart and be Lord over your life. From this moment forward let His Spirit guide you along the narrow road that leads to everlasting life!
