More Knowledge, Greater Accountability – Deuteronomy 29:29, Luke 12:48

“The Lord our God has secrets known to no one. We are not accountable for them, but we and our children are accountable forever for all that he has revealed to us, so that we may obey all the terms of these instructions.” (Deuteronomy 29:29, NLT)

“When someone has been given much, much will be required in return; and when someone has been entrusted with much, even more will be required.“ (Luke 12:48, NLT )

These two verses, one from the Old Testament and one from the New Testament, present the same biblical principle–personal responsibility. It seems we live in an age when people are reluctant to assume personal responsibility for their own negligence and bad behavior. Or when Christians are reluctant to share the good news of Jesus.

In Deuteronomy, Moses was anticipating his death and preached a farewell address to the Israelites. In the sermon he briefly reviewed Israel’s history since the Exodus. He charged the nation to be faithful to God.

Moses emphasized that the sovereignty of God undergirded every aspect of Israel’s relationship with Him and they were accountable for obeying God’s commands because of their covenant with Him, their particular revelation of God and His saving grace He had given to them.

The Israelites still had a lot to learn about their covenant with God. Yet, what they did know and understand, they were accountable for–not just in the present but for eternity.

In Luke, Jesus told a parable to His disciples about the end of the age that contrasted the actions of a servant who was manager over a household and was conscientious about fulfilling His duties whether the master was there or not with another manager who acted irresponsibly in the master’s absence. Jesus concluded the story by declaring that more accountability was required from those who were delegated more responsibility.

In our Christian walk, as we become more knowledgeable of God and His will, He assigns us more opportunities and responsibility to serve Him and accomplish His will. And, a higher and higher standard of behavior and obedience is required of us.

Simply stated, those with a higher calling in God’s Kingdom are held to a higher standard of accountability. And what is true for the Kingdom of God holds true in every aspect of our lives–our families, jobs, businesses, civic affairs–more responsibility demands greater accountability.

So, here’s the point. You are personally accountable for your knowledge of God. When you receive a revelation of God’s grace, you are eternally accountable for it. And the more you know and learn about God, the more God reveals Himself to you, the more accountable you are for living out God’s will in your life.

There’s no going back…

there’s no quitting…

there’s no do-overs…

there’s no work-arounds!

God doesn’t take anything back; He only gives you more!

So, you don’t receive and experience a greater and greater revelation of God and His grace without the corresponding responsibility. Because, God doesn’t reveal Himself without a reason. It’s not for your personal satisfaction, though you may find it personally satisfying.

What God reveals about Himself to you, He wants you to take personal responsibility to share with others so He can reveal Himself and His saving grace to them!