Like a bleating baby lamb alone in green meadows, I have discovered myself surrounded by giant forests where wolves lurk. Been there yourself? So steps the Christian who blithely lives a life without accountability. Each of us must take care to set up properly, and live with some kind of accountability.
We’re like popcorn over fire. Apply a little heat — and we pop. So fragile, we human beings. Even though we are not only human, after all – (for we’ve been born again) we most certainly are not alien superfolk from the planet Krypton.
Accountability is a guarded fence we place around our green life meadow – in order to not allow our deceptive heart to work-it-out all alone, unchecked. And that applies doubly to Christian leaders.
Jeremiah 17:9
“The heart is deceitful
above all things
And it is extremely sick;
Who can understand it fully
and know its secret motives?
And this is across the board, as they say. No matter who you be… black or white or purple, high or low income, whatever your maturity level or lack there of, big shot city slicker or country hick, pastor or layman: you are unwise to be that Dumbass Lamb “alone in green meadows surrounded by giant forests where wolves lurk”.
It’s a stupid way to live – every time, with every life. Why do we just not get it? There is too much to contend with… alone. We need the fellowship of others in the faith. Be it your spouse, some friends, your pastor, an elder, or family member – we need accountability. That is part of what the Apostle Paul is saying here:
24 and let us consider [thoughtfully] how we may encourage one another to love and to do good deeds, 25 not forsaking our meeting together [as believers for worship and instruction], as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another; and all the more [faithfully] as you see the day [of Christ’s return] approaching.
These entities are the enemies of our soul – three (3) “forces” which are part and parcel of living on earth as humans: (1) the world, (2) the flesh, and (3) Satan. They are not going away – until we get to heaven. So get used to it. Don’t cozy up! But be prepared. We need to guard against these forces of evil spawned by Satan.
When I die, “allelujah by and by” – then I’ll not have a care in the world, because I won’t be in the world! I’ll be in an incorruptible, immortal body, in the incorruptible Kingdom of God, where sin will be no more (1 Corinthians 15:20-26). But for now, bring it on! I’m a workin’ more on getting more and more ready, steady and able. How ’bout you?
(1) the World, (2) the Flesh, (3) and Satan
1) THE WORLD, is the system of this planet, nurtured by Satan, as he is “the god of this world (1 John 5:19).” We must not get caught up with all the snares of the world.
And the one on whom seed was sown among thorns, this is the one who hears the word, but the worries and distractions of the world and the deceitfulness [the superficial pleasures and delight] of riches choke the word, and it yields no fruit.
2) THE FLESH, which is the sin nature – produces bad fruit in our tree. Healthy or unhealthy, you’re a tree, and you produce fruit every day. We still have (our “old man”, the “old nature”) our sin nature inside us 24/7 trying to trap us into sin, even though we are filled by the Holy Spirit. None of us is “above it all”, free as a bird, free from this constant in our everyday experience. Or are you someone special? You don’t have “earthly” temptations? Not a chance.
Even so, every healthy tree bears good fruit, but the unhealthy tree bears bad fruit.See: Ephesians 4:12-32
1 Peter 5:6-10 Amplified Bible (AMP)
6 Therefore humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God [set aside self-righteous pride], so that He may exalt you [to a place of honor in His service] at the appropriate time,7 casting all your cares [all your anxieties, all your worries, and all your concerns, once and for all] on Him, for He cares about you [with deepest affection, and watches over you very carefully].
8 Be sober [well balanced and self-disciplined], be alert and cautious at all times. That enemy of yours, the devil, prowls around like a roaring lion [fiercely hungry], seeking someone to devour.
9 But resist him, be firm in your faith [against his attack—rooted, established, immovable], knowing that the same experiences of suffering are being experienced by your brothers and sisters throughout the world. [You do not suffer alone.]
10 After you have suffered for a little while, the God of all grace [who imparts His blessing and favor], who called you to His own eternal glory in Christ, will Himself complete, confirm, strengthen, and establish you [making you what you ought to be].
For more, read Satan the Deceiver and What the Devil Does
A wise way to live.
Based on this passage in Hebrews, this is a wise way to live life: in pursuit of pleasing God more and more:
Hebrews 10:22-25 22 let us approach [God] with a true and sincere heart in unqualified assurance of faith, having had our hearts sprinkled clean from an evil conscience and our bodies washed with pure water.
23 Let us seize and hold tightly the confession of our hope without wavering, for He who promised is reliable and trustworthy and faithful [to His word];
24 and let us consider [thoughtfully] how we may encourage one another to love and to do good deeds, 25 not forsaking our meeting together [as believers for worship and instruction], as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another; and all the more [faithfully] as you see the day [of Christ’s return] approaching.
“Seize and hold tightly” to your faith. Don’t deviate. An unguarded life soon gets unhealthy and starts producing bad fruit. Take care of your garden, and grow steadily, watchful to produce good fruit.
so that you will walk
in a manner worthy of the Lord
[displaying admirable character, moral courage, and personal integrity],
to [fully] please Him in all things,
bearing fruit in every good work
and steadily growing
in the knowledge of God
[with deeper faith, clearer insight and fervent love for His precepts];
FOR MORE:
Do “good and honorable things”
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