In this Christian pilgrimage we all need others to help us along this road. We need teachers, preachers, prayer warriors and we need accountability partners.
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As a widow, I have had to search for friends at times to hold me accountable—people I could trust with the truth (good and bad), people who knew the truth of God’s word, and people who were not afraid to tell me the truth. What is absolutely amazing to me is that God has prepared for me the best people whom will hold me accountable to God’s word—my own Children.
As Christians our sins are forgiven and we will have everlasting life in the presence of God. Yet, we will one day stand before the Judgement Seat of Christ to be judged according to the talents, resources, opportunities, and privileges we have been given, as to whether we have used them for the kingdom or not. Our lives will be reviewed before us with all of the good, bad and ugly. This does not affect our salvation; but does affect the rewards we might receive to be able to lay at the feet of Christ. As for me I don’t want to arrive empty handed. One of the things we are accountable for is
what we say which is one of my greatest weaknesses—words come out before the brain is engaged at times. Look at Matthew 12 “36 But I say unto you, That every idle word that men shall speak, they shall give account thereof in the day of judgment.” It would seem that Alberto recognizes this and is the first to say, “MOM?” when I say something that is not exhorting about or to someone. At first, it hurt that my own son would be the one; but, as he told me, “Who better than your own son to hold you accountable to God?” How true and I have to smile because since then I realize before I say something, I in my own mind hear him say, “MOM?” He is right, my words should only be those of exhortation, teaching, and patiently leading others to a knowledge of Christ. As Paul instructed Timothy, “ I charge thee therefore before God, and the Lord Jesus Christ, who shall judge the quick and the dead at his appearing and his kingdom; 2 Preach the word; be instant in season, out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort with all long suffering and doctrine.3 For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but after their own lusts shall they heap to themselves teachers, having itching ears;4 And they shall turn away their ears from the truth, and shall be turned unto fables. 5 But watch thou in all things, endure afflictions, do the work of an evangelist, make full proof of thy ministry.6 For I am now ready to be offered, and the time of my departure is at hand.7 I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith:8 Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give me at that day: and not to me only, but unto all them also that love his appearing.”
I am so thankful to God that He has so trained my children in His wisdom and in the knowledge of Him. Who better to hold me accountable before God so that one day I might like Paul proclaim, “7 I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith:8 Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give me at that day”
So Lord, Keep Me True
©2014 Effie Darlene Barba
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