We are in the final week of February and already asking “Where has the time gone?” In the business world January and February are inventory months. It is important for those in the business world to know if they had a profit or loss and how much. I never cease to be amazed at how many stores go out of business around this time of year. Financially, they have failed. They were unable to live up to their expectations, unable to pay their bills, unable to make the changes necessary to survive in a highly competitive marketplace.
This is also the time of year that thoughts turn to income tax. You might ask, “do you have to bring that up?” No one enjoys paying income tax or even reporting it but we all know the consequences of ignoring the law.
Whether we are talking about inventory or taxes, in essence we are talking about accountability. Our National and State laws require individual accountability. And whether we like it or not, knowing where we stand in the stewardship of our resources is important. It is a good thing to know if we have been successful or if we have fallen short. Being successful brings us joy and peace of mind. Falling short is painful, embarrassing and even costly.
The point is that society requires that we be accountable. It is the law. The fact is that the laws of God are much older than the laws of Man. From the beginning of time God has required those that he made in His own image to be accountable for what they do. When God created Adam and Eve and placed them in the Garden of Eden he made them stewards of all that he created. God established the laws, the boundaries of what was permitted and what was forbidden. When Adam and Eve rebelled, sinned and disobeyed God he held them accountable. Because they failed to keep his law, they were driven out of the Garden of Eden. Yet, even then, God initiated a plan to restore them to right relationship with Him.
The Bible is clear about accountability. Paul said in 1 Corinthians 4:2,” Moreover it is required in stewards, that a man be found faithful.” And in Romans 14:12, Paul says, So then every one of us shall give account of himself to God.” The Prophet Isaiah told King Hezekiah, “Set your house in order because you are going to die!” (2 Kings 20:1-2) Whether on earth or in heaven there is no escaping accountability. All the more reason to set your house (Life) in order.
In His Love,
Charles
