A sense of accountability
If we live, it’s to honor the Lord. And if we die, it’s to honor the Lord. So whether we live or die, we belong to the Lord. Christ died and rose again for this very purpose—to be Lord both of the living and of the dead. So why do you condemn another believer? Why do you look down on another believer? Remember, we will all stand before the judgment seat of God. For the Scriptures say, “‘As surely as I live,’ says the Lord, ‘every knee will bend to me, and every tongue will declare allegiance to God.’” Yes, each of us will give a personal account to God. So let’s stop condemning each other. Decide instead to live in such a way that you will not cause another believer to stumble and fall. Romans 14:8-13
When the Lord asked Cain about his brother Abel, Cain responded, “I don’t know. Am I my brother’s keeper?” (Genesis 4:9). God wants you realize that you have a sense of accountability towards those that God placed in your life. This is what the apostle Paul was admonishing the believers in Rome. God is giving you an opportunity to be used by Him to strengthen others and He wants you to be accountable as to what you will be doing. When someone goes through a knee surgery, it is important that the process of restoring back the strength of the knee that was operated on will be regained. This could happen if the one who had the surgery will be willing to work during the physical rehab. There should be a constant desire and a willingness to cooperate so that the process of regaining strength could be achieved. Once progress becomes visible, the arduous and painful task of exercising the knee becomes secondary. What was in the mind was the anticipation of having the knee be used again as if surgery did not take place. The one conducting the physical regimen was willing to share his strength so that the one who needed it will be benefited. Something that seemed to be unachievable at the start was now a reality because there was willingness to share. This is also the same with what was provided to those who trusted their lives to God. Something was given to them enough to help others needing the strength so that what seemed to be unachievable becomes attainable. God calls you to be there so you could lift up those who needed strength and to walk alongside those who needed encouragement. As Paul reminded Christians in Rome, you also might as well remember that God will hold you accountable if you cause someone to stumble and fall. What compels you now to live is the life of Christ in you. So when you do what God calls you to do, the glory belongs to God. “As a result of your ministry, they will give glory to God. For your generosity to them and to all believers will prove that you are obedient to the Good News of Christ” (2 Corinthians 9:13).
Blessings,