Day 173
Romans 14:12
“So then every one of us shall give account of himself to God.”
In Romans 14, Paul gave instructions to the church about how to get along with each other and be respectful of the conscience of other believers. He encouraged them to be humble about their convictions on various issues, realizing that a man has to ultimately answer to God, and not his brother. He urged them to refrain from being a stumbling block to other believers, who were uncomfortable doing what they felt freedom to do.
It is important that we remind ourselves of our accountability to God. Our behavior should constantly reflect that awareness. Sometimes, we are tempted to make decisions that will make relatives or friends happy, even though we are uncomfortable in our hearts. It is possible to act in a way we feel will bring us favor with someone who can help us get ahead in some way, although it goes against our conscience. Not only are we tempted to do what pleases others, but in a society that is flooded with humanism, it is possible to struggle with self satisfaction. In other words, we can become selfish and think only of what makes us happy, regardless of what God thinks about it.
Let us be quick to remind ourselves that it is before God, and not a mirror, that we will stand in judgement. We will not only face God in the end, but every day as well, as He hears our prayers and determines our promotions or demotions. Our Father resists the proud and gives grace to the humble. If our good works will stand the fiery test, they must be God’s works, and not just things we did for God.
I will examine and adjust my attitude about accountability regularly. I repent of all deeds I have done to please myself or anyone else above God. I will live in such a way that I will always be unashamed to stand before God.