I Didn't Do It!

By Cody Westbrook

            Growing up in a house with two younger brothers was an interesting experience. Sometimes we got along but most of the time (as you can imagine) we argued. Whether it was whose turn it was to play the Play Station, which one of us would ride in the front seat of the car, or who got the last Popsicle, there was always an argument. But I’m sure my Mother would tell you that the one thing we argued about most was which one of us was responsible for an accident. If one of us took out the trash or vacuumed the floor we would have fought to take responsibility for it. But when the window was broken or the water left on we fought to deny it!

            I’m sure that my two brothers and I were not the only children that suffered with a serious case of the “I didn’t do its.” As a matter of fact there are very few children in this world who will own up to the consequences of their negative actions. Looking back on occasions in our childhoods just like the ones I have mentioned may give us a chuckle and rightly so. But when a lack of personal accountability grows bigger and stronger along with us, we have a serious problem.

            The word “accountability” is defined as “being liable or responsible” and “having responsibility to someone or for some activity.” And while it would be fortunate for us if life came with the option of liability insurance like our vehicles that is just not the case. If I make a wreck of my car, my insurance will pay for it. But if I make a wreck of my life, I’m going to pay for it. The Bible teaches us that we are to be held personally accountable for what happens in our life.

            I will be held personally accountable for my own sins. While some in the religious world teach that sin is inherited, that is simply not the case. Sin is committed, not inherited. (1 John 3:4) Ezekiel wrote that “the soul that sinneth it shall die. The son shall not bear the iniquity of the father, neither shall the father bear the iniquity of the son…” (Ezekiel 18:20) When I stand before the Lord in judgment, “I didn’t do it” will not be acceptable. I will be the only one that can answer for the sins that I have committed.

            I will be held personally accountable for how I provide for myself and my family. Although society seems to be okay with those who rely on everyone else to take care of their family, God frowns on it. Paul wrote in 1 Timothy 5:8, “but if any provide not for his own, and especially for those of his own house, he hath denied the faith and is worse than an infidel.” And to the Thessalonians he wrote, “that if any would not work, neither should he eat.” (2 Thessalonians 3:10) God holds his people personally accountable to work to provide the necessities of life.

            Finally, I will be held personally accountable for what I do not do. Too many times we fall into the trap of thinking that just because we don’t do anything evil God is pleased with us. But the message of the parable of the talents in Matthew 25 is that even though I’m not participating in evil, my failure to do good and to use what God has given me makes me an evil person. We are all stewards of what God has given us and are personally accountable for how we use them. “Therefore to him that knoweth to do good, and doeth it not, to him it is sin.” (James 4:17)

            Personal accountability is a concept that is cast aside by many people yet it is commanded by God that we embrace it. As mature followers of Christ it is pertinent that we realize the necessity of taking responsibility for ourselves. Let us never be guilty of going through life with an “I didn’t do it” attitude.