God has built accountability into the very nature of the world. Consider, for example, what happens when you leave home for almost two weeks in the late spring. I know about this because I just got home two days ago. Do you think my garden is holding me responsible for the state it is in? Yes, indeed, it is. The weeds are a mile high for all the world to see. No pretending who has not been on duty or what has been going on while I was away.
Weeds are just one example of how God holds us accountable, but we can learn some important lessons about our Christian life by digging around in the garden. We reap what we sow. If we neglect our spiritual life and become distracted, we may hope no one notices for a while, but sooner or later it will come out. It always does. If we go ahead and just plant some nasties in our garden on purpose (which is what sin really is), how much more are we to blame for the state of our souls.
God has given us some ground to steward. You may have a little tiny garden you are cultivating, or you may have extensive grounds. Either way, you’ll be called upon to give an account for the state of things. God gives us the means to keep the weeds out: repentance and faith pull out the weeds and the Holy Spirit plants the fruit.
Sometimes you may feel so overwhelmed by the extent of the weeds that you’d rather shut the curtains and pretend you can’t see them. You may not know how to begin or where to start. But God does. He is in charge of our sanctification, and He brings things to light so that we can repent and believe and work on tending the fruit. It makes so much more sense to get that ugly weed dealt with now before it requires a backhoe to remove.
“Search me, O God, and know my heart; Try me, and know my anxieties; and see if there is any wicked way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting” (Psalm 139:23-24).
Your mom may be able to tell you are not doing well by the state of your room. Your husband may notice you are a little moody. But our God knows our hearts. He provides the ultimate accountability. Not only does He hold us responsible for our sins, He provides the way out of them through forgiveness.
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Thank you Nancy! I know that you write primarily for women, but I needed this encouragement in the hospital today. I hope all is well in Moscow.
Thank you, Mrs. Wilson! This is so encouraging.
So appreciate this. I definitely know the feeling of being overwhelmed and just wanting to pull the curtains. Thanks for the reminder that God is in charge and knows what needs to be done.
Thank you so very much. This was just exactly what I needed today. Googling about gardening is not the same as actually working the soil. And googling about God is not the same as actually working on the soul. Time to go spend some time with the one to whom I am accountable.
Thank you for the reminder that it is always a good time to come right back to the Lord, right away! And that He welcomes it and knows what to do.
Thank you for this! Do you think that being overweight is a way that God holds us accountable for overeating?