This article first appeared on The Christian Broadcasting Network |
“The secret things belong to the Lord our God, but those things which are revealed belong to us and to our children forever, that we may do all the words of this law” (Deuteronomy 29:29).
Responsibility and accountability aren’t the most popular words in our vocabulary, are they? Yet each of us have a responsibility for the part we play in all kinds of things— from family to work to civil duties. And God not only cares about these things, the Bible is clear, we will be held accountable for the decisions we make in this life. “Yes, each of us will give a personal account to God” (Romans 14:12 NLT).
Is this scary? I suppose it could be if you don’t know God and His heart. But I don’t believe God’s intent was fear. I believe our accountability is based on understanding and revelation. In other words, there are hidden things with God, but there are also things He has chosen to reveal to us so we can carry out His plans in the earth. And the more we understand (the more that is revealed), the more we can accomplish and protect.
The world is full of people who don’t know the heart and will of God. This would explain why the world is also full of chaos, destruction, confusion, and evil. Where ignorance reigns, so does the enemy. The word “ignorance” can have two basic meanings. One definition is a lack of knowledge. The other insinuation is to ignore something. For example, I am ignorant of how to fix a car when it breaks down. But I also choose to ignore the possibility of learning how— I have zero interest in gaining that knowledge!
And although my choice to remain ignorant concerning cars seems innocent, that same principle cannot be applied to spiritual things. Ignorance is not bliss.
Ignorance in spiritual things is dangerous.
Paul said, “lest Satan should take advantage of us; for we are not ignorant of his devices” (2 Corinthians 2:11). One translation says we need to be aware of Satan’s evil schemes so he doesn’t outsmart us (New Living). And this is why God wants to reveal truths to His children and His children’s children. God does not want us ignorant, outsmarted, or deceived. Revelation knowledge saves lives—naturally, spiritually, and everything in between. Satan knows this and God knows this.
“GOD, our God, will take care of the hidden things but the revealed things are our business. It’s up to us and our children to attend to all the terms in this Revelation” (Deuteronomy 29:29 MSG). In other words, we are accountable to learn, to search out, and hold fast. I don’t think it will be okay at the end of our life to say, “Oh, I just didn’t know,” or “Oh, I kind of ignored that nudge.” Don’t get me wrong, God is merciful and full of grace. But there’s a reason He wants to reveal things to us. Whole generations can be altered one way or another by what we know and what we do with what we know.
Can you imagine how God must feel when He sees His children hurt, wounded, lost, and confused, when He has provided help through His Word. The Bible is our number one source of revelation. And next to that, God has given us the Holy Spirit, whose name just so happens to be called Helper.
We are accountable, but we are not without help.
I pray we sense the responsibility and take it seriously. But I also pray you find great joy in the discovery. As the psalmist himself said, “I rejoice at Your word as one who finds great treasure” (Psalms 119:162).
