Charles Pogue
Every one of us will give an account of himself to God (Rom. 14:12; 2 Cor. 5:10). No one will give an account to God for someone else. Have you ever stopped to think, though, the account you give and the succeeding judgment you receive will involve other people?
Husbands are to love their wives (Eph. 5:23). Wives are to submit to their husbands (Eph. 5:22). Father’s are to bring up their children in the nurture and admonition of the Lord, (Eph. 6:4). Whether I filfilled my responsibility to my family members will be involved in giving an account of myself to God in the day of judgment.
The great commission is still in effect (Matt. 28:19,20; Mark 16:15,16). When great persecution arose against the early church and the disciples were scattered abroad they went everywhere preaching the word (Acts 8:4). Paul instructed Timothy to teach faithful men, who would then teach others (2 Tim. 2:2). Those we have an opportunity to teach in this life, we will give an account of ourselves respecting whether we taught them or failed to teach them.
What kind of example is my life to others? If I live an unrighteous life and others follow my example. I’ll give an account for it in judgment. Again, Paul writing to Timothy instructed the young man to let no one despise his youth but to be an example of the believers, or as the ASV says “an example to the believers in his manner of life” (1 Tim. 412). What if I claim to be a follower of Christ, but live in sin? Others may look at my sinful act and say, “He is a Christian, he does that thing, it must be okay, I’ll do it also.” I will give an account for that to God.
What about those I have offended or been offended by. Did I ask for forgiveness or did I discuss with my brother the thing he did that offended me? Jesus said unless we forgive we will not be forgiven (Matt. 6:12-15). He further said if my brother offends me I am to go and discuss it with him. If he fails to hear, Jesus lays out the balance of the process that is to govern my actions.
What about those who are evil, and I am tempted to engage in their evil works. Paul was stating a self-evident truth when he said evil companions corrupt good morals (1 Cor. 15:33). There are all kinds of ways workers of evil try to trip up the child of God. They will say, “this thing is not so bad, you’ve taken all the joy out of your life,” or, “why don’t you quit being a stick in the mud, have a little fun.” You and I will give an account as to whether we follow good or evil.
Yes, each one of us will give an account of himself to God, but we live among other people, how we deal with and react toward them will have a bearing on the account we give of ourselves on the day of judgment. What if today were the end of the world, how would my relationships with my fellow man impact my account to God?
