GIVING ACCOUNT FOR LIFE'S INVESTMENT

The Parable of the Talents: Matthew 25:14-30

The main point, which hasn't changed in 2,000 years, is that each one of us is responsible to make the most of what we've been given. And we are more than responsible; we're accountable. We must answer for the way we invest our lives.

1.  We are Accountable to God.

•           This is the essential point of Romans 14:12—we must each give an

                         account directly to God!

•           We will one day face the One who spoke the worlds into existence,

                      the One to whom we owe life itself.

•           Could there be a greater motivation to live the right life, think the right

                      thoughts, speak the right words, and do the right things?

•           God Himself will determine whether we have been good managers of

                      everything He has put in our care.

•           We are required to be faithful stewards. (1 Corinthians 4:2)

2.  We are Accountable to Others.

•           We don't exist in a self-sufficient, isolated world.

•           We belong to a great, global family, and our success

                      depends upon how we relate to others in that family.

•           To our parents we owe honor. (Exodus 20:12) is a command

                      without a time limit.

•           To our spiritual leaders we owe submission; for just as you are       

                      accountable to them, they are accountable for you. (Hebrews 13:7)

•           To everyone we owe love. According to Romans 13:8, we are in debt   

                      to others and the only way to pay the bill is by showing genuine            

                      Christian love.

3.  We are Accountable for Our Words.

•           What you say is important to God.

•           What you say is also important to others, and they will hold you to 

                      your words.

•           A promise is meant to be kept, because if you break a promise, you   

                      can break a heart.

•           A commitment is meant to be fulfilled, because if you fail on a   

                      commitment, you can fracture a friendship.

•           Guard your words; they have great value and great power.

4.  We are Accountable for Our Actions.

•           Everything you do in relating to other people is an opportunity to

                      express an attitude.

•           Its up to you to be kind or unkind, to be caring or insensitive, to be

                      positive or negative.

•           You can live by the Golden Rule, or by your own rule.

5. We are Accountable for Our Opportunities.

•           Every day brings new opportunities to influence others in word and

                      deed.

•           William Barclay: "In the time we have it is surely our duty to do all the

                      good we can to all the people we can in all the ways we can."

•           This is especially true of your relationship to people who are less

                      fortunate.

Accountability is a key element of a successful life. It is your "track record," the pattern of discipline and dependability that will become your reputation. To be accountable is to be someone others can count on, but you must be willing to be vulnerable. Accountability in human relationships demands a willingness to be honest, and being honest makes you vulnerable. It can be risky, but it's worth it because the strongest relationships are formed through honest communication.