Moral Accountability — Michelle Blan

Remember in school when the teacher would step out of the classroom for a moment? The whole class would get loud and go nuts. So much could take place with 30 seconds of no supervision. Rules were thrown out the window. The moment the teacher returned, however, everyone was seated quietly – as if no one had moved and nothing had happened.

But, it did happen.

With virtual school starting in our district this week, this situation sort of applies here, too. The boys have a nice setup in our dining room. And, if I sit there with them, they are focused. But, the moment I walk away their eyes wonder, they begin chatting with each other, and focus diminishes.

We are humans and we mess up. We make mistakes. We make bad choices. And, as long as we have no one to keep us accountable or hold us to high moral standards (or any moral standards for that matter), we won’t care. It’s like starting a new fitness regiment, a new diet, or even attempting to become sober. With all of these things, it is common to hear people looking for others to help them stay accountable. After all, when no one is looking, it is easy to skip a workout, eat that banana split, or take that sip, isn’t it? If no one saw it, it’s like it didn’t even happen!

But, again, it did happen.

The Israelites who entered the Promised Land often found themselves in a lot of trouble. They would begin making sinful choices, living for themselves and forgetting everything that God did for them. That is, until he sent a Judge to rescue them. This judge would act as a deliverer sent by God into a chaotic place to help return it to a healthy, peaceful, God-centered community.

And, it worked.

But, here’s the thing – God had to send 12 different Judges! Every time equilibrium was met and the Judge moved on, the people would immediately return to their deviant ways. It’s just like that teacher who would leave the classroom. Except, this lasted way more than 30 seconds!

The Israelites would find themselves in an unhappy, discontented space again — and, again God would send a Judge. This happened over and over.

In those days Israel had no king; all the people did whatever seemed right in their own eyes.

Judges 21:25

We are the same way today. Think about it. It is so easy to be grateful when blessings come and life is good and easy, right? We shout praises, “Oh, praise God! I knew he’d get us through! God is so good!” But then, so quickly, we find ourselves going back to our old ways. God stepped in and made us comfortable again — so we focus on our wants rather than Him.

It is important to remember that no matter where we are in life, whether it is a time of light and peace or one of darkness and chaos, God can give us what we need and he can also take it away if we are unfaithful and untrue. Therefore, keep your eyes and your heart focused on what matters, regardless of your ups and downs through life.

And, always – always – remember that God is right there with you. Let him be your accountability partner.

Deep in your hearts you know that every promise of the LORD your God has come true. Not a single one has failed! But as surely as the LORD your God has given you the good things he promised, he will also bring disaster on you if you disobey him.

Joshua 23:14-15

Until next time…❤❤