The Apostle Paul wrote to believers, saying “So then every one of us shall give account of himself to God” (Rom. 14:12). Unbelievers as well must give account of themselves to God. Our Lord Jesus explained the extent of their accountability in 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.” In a day when no one seems to be accountable to anyone, it is vital that we understand we must all give account of our lives to God.

Now accountability implies responsibility. Where no accountability exists, there is little or no responsibility. As children are mistakenly led to believe they are not really accountable to their parents, they become irresponsible in all they do. Employees not directly accountable to their employers have no reason to fulfill their responsibilities. With little or no accountability to the church and its leaders, church members cease to be responsible in discharging their duties and become unfaithful (1 Tim. 6:20; Heb. 13:17).

When men stand before God to give account of their lives, no one will get a free pass. Truth and absolute justice will characterize this judgment (Rev. 20:12). No excuse will avail, for excuses are nothing more than lies which men use to veil their irresponsibility. Therefore, we would be wise to abandon all excuses and focus on fulfilling all of our responsibilities that, when we give account of ourselves to God, we may do so with confidence. Nothing hinders adequate preparation like the absence of accountability.