“But we beg you, brethren, to know those who labor among you in the Lord,
and admonish you, and to regard them exceedingly in love on account of
their work. Be in peace among yourselves.”  (I Thessalonians 5: 12-13)

One of the greatest needs in a young man’s life is to be accountable.
Being single, we live life at times very much alone. In terms of anyone
close, like a wife or family, there is none, and so our tendency may be
to live very selfishly. Two years ago I became very concerned over my
lack of being accountable. The greater number of my Christian friends
live far away and so it was really impossible to come under their tent.
Also the search to find one who was rooted and grounded in the word of
God was a great concern for I needed a proof-reader, someone who was
like-minded in spirit and had a care for the things of God. In time God
answered my prayers.

We were created to be accountable. There is a great push today to escape
being accountable, and this really saddens me for the end results have
come forth in many ways:  the loss of husband and wife relationships,
rebellious children, and the lack of knowing God. Life is not worth much
when those things become lost and people distance themselves because the
self-life has the rule over them.

I once talked about a human shield, a shield that is composed of ones
family, one that is more visible to the man who is married.
Accountability is also a shield, a shield that can bring incentive and
purpose to life. The single man may be totally oblivious to the ones that
God has provided for him. The importance of this cannot really be
expressed enough!

“For it is written, As I live, saith the Lord, every knee shall bow to
me, and every tongue shall confess to God. So then every one of us shall
give account of himself to God.”        (Romans 14:11-12)

First we are accountable to God. He has the final say, and to the
authority of His word we must bow and yield. By God’s Spirit we are to be
found doing that which pleases Him, for there shall come a day when we
shall give an account for our deeds. As a single man, who makes a
profession of faith, you now have a Heavenly Father who not only has
saved you, but is personally involved in your life and who cares enough
to make you accountable. Like a father, He wants not only your life, but
everything that you do. This brings a little meaning to an otherwise
lonely existence.

We are secondly accountable to those whom God has set over us in the Lord
(Refer to the opening verse). Namely, pastors, elders and those who hold
offices of authority. This is sadly lacking in the Church today since the
emphasis is to question authority, but there are still those whom God has
set in place for our good. They are to shine forth as examples of Christ
and give guidance to the flock. This cannot be done if those in authority
have exalted themselves upon a higher plain. This type of accountability
is totally based upon a relationship where we know each other in an
intimate way. To not only know their strengths, but their weaknesses.
Honesty will bring about a deeper respect and a deeper relationship which
will be a great benefit and help in helping us along this narrow pathway.

There is a third and very important area of accountability that we may
ignore because it seems so unimportant. The importance of it, however,
could impact many. We are accountable to those who are below us in age.
These children and young men are watching you and they will, to some
extent, be imitators and followers of your example.
        
Now the scriptures speak of the older men teaching the younger men, but I
believe that this teaching is not exclusively in word, but also in deed
and in truth. There is also a great difference between teaching personal
convictions and shining forth the life of Christ and the fruits of the
Spirit. A godly scriptural example should and will be greatly treasured.
        
We should take an active role in teaching our young men to seek out their
own convictions and faith in the Lord through His word. We should not
seek to program them and give a helping hand wherever we can. Teach them
godliness by example so that they do not live on borrowed standards and
programs. They need examples who are steadfast and are abiding in the
Lord, not just standards of conduct. So much of the teaching today seems
to crumble when faced with reality. I believe that much of its failure
comes because it was based upon the will of man instead of deriving its
strength from Jesus Christ. Teach Christ and from there proceed outward.
        
As a single man your example is greatly needed, for the example you show
forth to these young people can add or take away from their desire to
become men and women of God. Be accountable to them and, if you fail,
tell them and don’t let pride be a hindrance. The importance of this
cannot be expressed enough.

Does the single man have a place in the assembly? Yes, he does and don’t
let anyone convince you differently. Is he accountable? Yes, very much
so, and that accountability will contribute greatly to his spiritual
growth and to those around him.
        
To wrap up, let us be accountable to God, to those He has placed over us,
and to those who are babes in Christ. Rejoice and be accountable, for
that is the design of God, and in fulfilling it there is peace and great
joy.

M. H. G.

E-Mail Matthew H Goins