What does "not for man, but for the LORD" teach about accountability? Setting the Scene 2 Chronicles 19:6: “He said to the judges, ‘Consider what you are doing, for you do not judge for man, but for the LORD, who is with you in the matter of judgment.’” King Jehoshaphat had just reformed the courts of Judah. By reminding the new judges whose bench they truly occupied, he anchored their work to divine, not merely human, oversight. The Core Idea “Not for man, but for the LORD” places ultimate accountability in God’s hands. Every verdict, word, and motive is rendered before Him, not merely before the people who witness it. What the Phrase Teaches about Accountability • God is the primary audience of every decision. • Authority received from Him carries responsibility back to Him (Romans 13:1–2). • No action is hidden; He is “with you in the matter of judgment,” observing in real time (Hebrews 4:13). • Human approval or displeasure is secondary; divine appraisal is final (Proverbs 29:25). • Because judgment belongs to God, integrity is non-negotiable (Exodus 18:21). Supporting Scriptures • Colossians 3:23–24: “Whatever you do, work at it with your whole heart, as working for the Lord and not for men… it is the Lord Christ you are serving.” • Ephesians 6:7–8: Serve “as to the Lord.” He “will reward each one for the good he does.” • James 3:1: Teachers will “incur a stricter judgment,” underscoring heightened accountability. • Romans 14:12: “Each of us will give an account of himself to God.” Key Accountability Principles Drawn from the Verse • Stewardship: Positions and gifts are trusts from God, not personal possessions. • Impartiality: Because God is impartial (Acts 10:34), our judgments must mirror His fairness. • Reverence: Awareness of God’s presence curbs careless words and unjust actions. • Courage: When God is the ultimate Judge, fear of man loses its grip. • Consistency: Private character and public duty must align; both are before the same Lord. Living It Out Today • In leadership: Decide policy, discipline, and direction mindful that God audits every file. • In the workplace: Meet deadlines and standards as an offering to Him, even when supervisors are lax. • In family life: Parent, honor, and serve with the conviction that the home is God’s domain. • In ministry: Preach, teach, and counsel knowing Christ Himself weighs every motive (1 Corinthians 4:5). • In citizenship: Vote, obey laws, and advocate justice aware that righteousness exalts a nation (Proverbs 14:34). Strengthening Your Sense of Accountability • Daily Scripture intake to keep God’s standards before your eyes. • Regular self-examination in the light of passages like Psalm 139:23–24. • Transparent relationships with mature believers who will confront sin lovingly (Galatians 6:1). • Quick confession and repentance when the Spirit convicts (1 John 1:9). • Continual gratitude that Christ bore the penalty for every failure, freeing us to serve with joy (2 Corinthians 5:14–15). |
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