Accountable

Then one of the criminals who were hanged blasphemed Him, saying, “If You are the Christ, save Yourself and us.” But the other, answering, rebuked him, saying, “Do you not even fear God, seeing you are under the same condemnation? And we indeed justly, for we receive the due reward of our deeds; but this Man has done nothing wrong.” Then he said to Jesus, “Lord, remember me when You come into Your kingdom.” And Jesus said to him, “Assuredly, I say to you, today you will be with Me in Paradise.”

- Luke 23:39-43, NKJV

Are you self aware enough to realize when you have messed up? How about to the point where you not only realize you’ve made a mistake, but are contrite about it? Unfortunately this is the crossroad so many people find themselves at…delineating between “oops” and “I’m sorry.” Sadly many fall, but hit so hard they believe they can never get back up. Whether it be pride, ego, or shame, these same people believe that their “fall” is so far gone that they’ll never be able to get back up…much less walk again. Others fall, but not only deny their slip ups, but mock those who have fallen alongside them. However, what the latter fails to realize, but that all must realize is that everyone will be held accountable for his/her actions - But I say to you that for every idle word men may speak, they will give account of it in the day of judgment. For by your words you will be justified, and by your words you will be condemned (Matthew 12:36-37, NKJV). So are you accountable for your actions…accountable for the very words that come out of your mouth? Know that when you fall God provides a guiding hand to you in Jesus Christ…and if allowed, this helping, healing hand will not only uplift you, but support you all throughout your journey. But the problem stems from acknowledging that you have fallen in the first place, and then accounting for your actions by humbly seeking assistance instead of mocking those who may find themselves in a similar state. The power of Christ affords you the opportunity to come before the Lord and repent…but His love only penetrates if you open your heart to Its conviction. So are you self aware enough to realize when you have messed up…what about to the point you not only realize you’ve made a mistake, but are contrite about it? Then be accountable for your actions, repent, and receive the love of Christ that God’s grace might restore you…then offer your life as a living testimony to Christ’s hope instead of the world’s mockery that all might be witnesses to God’s glory.

BE BLESSED!