Christian Accountability?

Question

I was wondering about what accountability we as Christians have, when answering questions that are posed by the Non Christian world? We as Christians know that a person is accountable for every bit of knowledge of the Truth,that has been put before them. So, when we send out answers that someone reads are you doing it with prayer? or with the Holy Spirit giving you scripture? or are you cutting and pasting scripture?

I am not trying to say we shouldn't express our beliefs in Jesus, I am just saying we are accountable for what we speak?

Any thoughts?

I know that we are accountable for all our words and actions. I guess what I am mostly wondering about is if we answer a question that we know has been asked by someone trying to get a rise from Christians. I believe that the Word doesn't return void, but accomplishes every work that it sent out to do. It just seems so frustrating to me that so many ask questions for meanness. I don't answer those types, but I see so many that do.

Answer 1

We are accountable to give a defense of our faith to those who wish to know. On the reverse, we are also instructed to know when we don't need to answer a question (the "not to throw pearls to the swine" quote).

I try to personally only answer questions that I can either answer based on a scriptual basis, asking my opinion, or I have other documentation to back up what I state.

Answer 2

As Christians, we are commissioned by God to bring his lost children back into the fold, whether it is by word or deed. When the Second Coming occurs, there will be complete judgment of Christians and non-Christians both. At that time, we will come before the Throne and be accountable for what we've said and done. It is my desire to hear Jesus say to me, Well done, good and faithful servant.

Personally, I think about my answers before I answer and sometimes I do pray and ask for guidance before I answer. Yes, I will admit to "cutting and pasting" from BibleGateway.com, but only because it cuts down on the typing. I know which verses and/or ideas I want to get across and I look them up.

The short answer is yes, we have much accountability for what we've said and done during our brief time on earth.

Answer 3

I always try to answer such questions with three things in mind:

1) My best, most accurate recollection of the teachings of the church,
2) My best, most accurate recollection of scripture (searching & verifying if I must) and,
3) The insight that I have been granted by the Holy Spirit that forms my personal beliefs and values.

And I do try to distinguish which is which, and how well my memory serves me on this issue.

Answer 4

Great question! If I am just answering simple questions like the one I just did "Do you attend church"...those are easy. The questions I really want to get across to someone, I ask the Holy Spirit to intervene and allow me to say what needs to be said.
I try to answer only the questions I am confident in the answer.

Answer 5

Funny that you've even put "Christian" and "Accountability" in the same sentence...any group of people that believe that you can commit the most egregious of sins and then by confessing and believing in Jesus you might still have a shot at any sort of pleasant afterlife are just plain demented...talk about writing your own ticket...

Answer 6

Absolutely. I pray that His will be accomplished through me.

When I read a question, a scripture comes to mind.
I'll freeform a response and/or cut/paste from the BLB, or other sources for validity.

Answer 7

Good question, of course we are accountable for what we do and say. however God is to recieve all the glory for what he does through us as Christians. I have seen so many christians that brag about how good they are and how many people they have brought to the Lord Jesus. I think that they to will be judged by there inability to give all glory to God.God is the one who changes peoples hearts not us.

Answer 8

Don't you know? God and Jesus speak through every Christian's actions just like they did with the people that wrote the bible. Everything they right is with his authority and is absolutely true.

Answer 9

I pray and seek guidance. I believe that the Holy Spirit will lead you to answer in a way that will best be put to use.

Peace be with you,
Debra

Answer 10

A true Christian is accountable for any word that comes out of his/her mouth. Period. Of course, being the Zillions that we are, that can mean a zillion things to a zillion persons... get it?