In addition to God, to whom should I be accountable?

Q: In addition to God, to whom should I be accountable?

Exodus 20:12Honor your father and mother.Deuteronomy 8:5“Think about it: Just as a parent disciplines a child, the Lord your God disciplines you for your own good.”Proverbs 6:20My son, obey your father’s commands, and don’t neglect your mother’s instruction.God has set up accountability structures within our families. In our younger years, this involves respecting the guidance and advice of our parents. Then as our parents and grandparents age, we are accountable for showing them appropriate care, depending on their needs.Acts 15:4, 12When they arrived in Jerusalem, Barnabas and Paul were welcomed by the whole church, including the apostles and elders. They reported everything God had done through them . . . Everyone listened quietly as Barnabas and Paul told about the miraculous signs and wonders God had done through them among the Gentiles.Acts 19:18Many who became believers confessed their sinful practices.James 5:16Confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The earnest prayer of a righteous person has great power and produces wonderful results.We are accountable to other believers. God has given us the fellowship of the church to help and encourage us.1 Timothy 6:2-3Teach these things, Timothy, and encourage everyone to obey them. Some people may contradict our teaching, but these are the wholesome teachings of the Lord Jesus Christ. These teachings promote a godly life.1 Peter 5:5In the same way, you who are younger must accept the authority of the elders. And all of you, dress yourselves in humility as you relate to one another, for “God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble.”Hebrews 13:17Obey your spiritual leaders, and do what they say. Their work is to watch over your souls, and they are accountable to God. Give them reason to do this with joy and not with sorrow. That would certainly not be for your benefit.We are accountable to the pastors and leaders in our communities of faith.

Question

Accepted Answer

Exodus 20:12Honor your father and mother.

Deuteronomy 8:5“Think about it: Just as a parent disciplines a child, the Lord your God disciplines you for your own good.”

Proverbs 6:20My son, obey your father’s commands, and don’t neglect your mother’s instruction.

God has set up accountability structures within our families. In our younger years, this involves respecting the guidance and advice of our parents. Then as our parents and grandparents age, we are accountable for showing them appropriate care, depending on their needs.

Acts 15:4, 12When they arrived in Jerusalem, Barnabas and Paul were welcomed by the whole church, including the apostles and elders. They reported everything God had done through them . . . Everyone listened quietly as Barnabas and Paul told about the miraculous signs and wonders God had done through them among the Gentiles.

Acts 19:18Many who became believers confessed their sinful practices.

James 5:16Confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The earnest prayer of a righteous person has great power and produces wonderful results.

We are accountable to other believers. God has given us the fellowship of the church to help and encourage us.

1 Timothy 6:2-3Teach these things, Timothy, and encourage everyone to obey them. Some people may contradict our teaching, but these are the wholesome teachings of the Lord Jesus Christ. These teachings promote a godly life.

1 Peter 5:5In the same way, you who are younger must accept the authority of the elders. And all of you, dress yourselves in humility as you relate to one another, for “God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble.”

Hebrews 13:17Obey your spiritual leaders, and do what they say. Their work is to watch over your souls, and they are accountable to God. Give them reason to do this with joy and not with sorrow. That would certainly not be for your benefit.

We are accountable to the pastors and leaders in our communities of faith.