Helping Is Holding One Accountable

Word-Of-The-Day: ‘(8) There was a man all alone; he had neither son nor brother. There was no end to his toil, yet his eyes were not content with his wealth. “For whom am I toiling,” he asked, “and why am I depriving myself of enjoyment?” This too is meaningless— a miserable business! (9) Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their labor.  (10) If either of them falls down, one can help the other up. But pity anyone who falls and has no one to help them up.’ (Ecclesiastes 4:8-10)

The context of these verses is of a man who is working without any enjoyment or any purpose as he has no heirs; if he had a son or a brother then the work would have a lasting purpose.  It would also allow him to persevere (or at least give him moral support) and also provide him accountability.   One can fall physically and would need a hand to arise or to assist him in his work; one also needs a hand to get back on the proper path when failing in their responsibilities, first by gentle but firm criticism, then by corrective measure. 

Paul, in Galatians 6:1-5, discusses those who fail in their responsibilities as Christians need to be handled first with gentleness while avoiding the trap to join them on the floor of irresponsibility.  In other words, if a person fails to hold fast to God’s rules and disobeys Him, our responsibility is to provide that person what they have done, where they have disobeyed the Lord, and provide them love and guidance to allow them to correct themselves through the help the Lord will provide and return to His path.  This is also the best model for child-raising, business relations, and friendships.  A good friend is one who can tell you that… you’re wrong.

We would fall into irresponsibility if we allowed a person to disobey God and allow them to wallow in their sinful ways while doing nothing.  We then would fall into disobedience and are being irresponsible ourselves.  If we do intervene and attempt to provide this gentle guidance and it is refused by the offender, then we must follow 1 Corinthians 5:13 (and throughout Deuteronomy) and obey God, who said, “Expel the wicked person from among you.”  We see in today’s society too many who are irresponsible and not being held accountable.  It is in many churches nationwide, in politics, in the courts, and in business.  Collectively, we must speak up and hold those who are being irresponsible accountable.  Fear not, for the Lord is with us to give us the strength and courage to speak up for accountability when we need to!