What happens when people are allowed to do anything they want without any repercussions? A monster is created. Have you seen the parents who never correct or chastise their children? How about the person who keeps bullying others without anybody standing up to him? Then there are institutions like banks and corporations that continually scam the public without even so much as getting a slap on the wrist! The problem is a lack of accountability. Also, unfortunately, without accountability a person has no chance of changing.
In a Year of Mercy, certainly this is the time to give people the opportunity to repent and change. But oftentimes without a person or community that holds them accountable, people never find the incentive to change. Even after one is held accountable, there should be assistance in trying to turn over a new leaf and become better.
Being accountable is a primary characteristic of an Everyday Steward. We must always be willing to accept that we just might be like a fig tree that is bearing no fruit. The good news is that if we are willing to have that pointed out to us, we have the chance to change. A stewardship way of life is not easy and it does not happen overnight. At times, we will find ourselves in need of good gardening tactics involving fertilization and watering. The sad reality is that we live in a world, and even sometimes a church, where accountability is seen as harsh or judgmental. However, we let ourselves and others down by not helping each other see the reality of our actions. Would you want to be that fruitless fig tree that gets cut down without a chance to grow? That would be really harsh. Let’s help one another to be the best stewards and disciples we can be.
Tracy Earl Welliver, MTS
Main Menu
≡
╳