In a society quick to shift blame, accountability remains a fundamental principle. Many avoid responsibility, even at the cost of accusing others, including their parents, for their own failures. During Ezekiel's time, Israel similarly erred by believing they were judged for their forefathers' sins, using the proverb, "The fathers eat sour grapes, and the children's teeth are set on edge." They thought righteousness and wickedness were hereditary, leading to fatalism and irresponsibility. God refutes this in Ezekiel 18:3, declaring this proverb should no longer be used in Israel. He asserts that each person is free to choose their path, unbound by their ancestors' actions. God's principle of judgment is clear in Ezekiel 18:4 and 18:20: "The soul who sins shall die." Judgment is personal and individual; the son does not bear the guilt of the father, nor the father the guilt of the son. Righteousness and wickedness are accounted to each person based on their own deeds. Illustrations in Ezekiel 18:5-18 demonstrate this through a righteous father, an unrighteous son, and a righteous grandson, showing that each generation's actions determine their own fate, not their lineage. This accountability extends to all, as each person must give an account of themselves to God. Judgment is based on individual works, reinforcing that personal responsibility cannot be evaded. Though the effects of ancestors' sins may linger, they do not predestine or condemn anyone to repeat those sins. Each individual stands accountable for their own actions and will face personal judgment accordingly.

Accountability is a fundamental principle that applies to all, regardless of age. Each individual is ultimately responsible for their own actions, words, and deeds, answerable directly to God. No one can pass the blame to parents, peers, or society; personal accountability stands firm. Even the righteousness of one's parents cannot shield an individual from judgment, as each person must face the consequences of their choices. God will bring every person into judgment for all they do and say, as emphasized in Ecclesiastes 11:9-10. Young people are encouraged to rejoice and follow their heart's impulses, to have fun and pursue what they see as best, but they must do so within the bounds of God's law. Breaking these boundaries brings automatic consequences, without the need for direct intervention from God, as the law itself enforces its penalties. The call is clear: have fun, seek joy, but always within the framework of obedience to God, or face the inevitable repercussions. This accountability extends even to the young, as God does not overlook their sins. If they can understand the principles being taught, they are held responsible for their actions. Ignorance is no excuse, for God weighs the heart and knows whether one truly lacks knowledge or is feigning it. He renders to each according to their deeds, ensuring a fair judgment, as seen in Proverbs 24:12. God's fairness in judgment is further highlighted in Ezekiel 18:26-32. When a righteous person turns to iniquity, they face the consequences of their actions. Conversely, when a wicked person repents and does what is right, they preserve their life. God desires repentance, urging all to turn from transgressions and embrace a new heart and spirit, for He takes no pleasure in punishment but longs to bless. The call to accountability is a call to action at any age. No one is too young to begin living according to God's ways. The Spirit of God works intimately with children and young people, setting them apart for a special purpose. Repentance and dedication to God can start early, and the examples of young individuals in Scripture demonstrate that prioritizing God leads to a life of purpose and blessing. Ultimately, accountability demands a perspective of faith and trust in God. Individuals must set goals, work toward them, and seek God's help in making them a reality through prayer and study. Placing God first ensures that needs and desires will be met, as promised. This perspective challenges any worry or doubt, affirming that God is not abandoning anyone but is working for their ultimate good, calling all to repentance and a renewed focus on Him.

God gives us one life to live, and after it, He tallies up the score. He sees how much we have grown and whether we have changed from a selfish, carnal person into a loving, spiritual Christian. Though He takes youth, ignorance, and inexperience into consideration, He still holds a person responsible for everything they do. Age makes no difference, and God will not excuse anyone from the consequences of their sins, no matter how young they are. As Solomon writes in Ecclesiastes, young people should rejoice in their youth and follow their heart, but they must know that for all these things, God will bring them into judgment. He encourages happiness and cheer, yet reminds them that they will have to explain their actions to Him. God is less interested in fun than in right and wrong, and even a pleasurable experience can be sinful. The first consideration should always be whether an activity is right, as God has already decided this for us. He wants the best for everyone, and as the ultimate parent, He watches over all actions, expecting us to act in ways that do not disappoint Him.

For those of us in the churches of God, the concept often termed stewardship is more commonly understood as responsibility or accountability for what God has entrusted to us. We recognize that being accountable means fulfilling our calling, which embodies the essence of good stewardship. A steward, by definition, is one who manages something entrusted to them by a superior, often with the duty to guard, maintain, and enhance it. This role inherently involves being under authority and reporting progress to that superior, ensuring transparency in the management of what has been given. Throughout the Bible, accountability is a recurring theme in the role of a steward. Examples like Eliezer, Abraham's faithful servant, and Joseph, who managed Potiphar's household with diligence, highlight the importance of being trustworthy and dedicated. These stewards demonstrated accountability by selflessly serving their masters, even at personal cost, ensuring that what was entrusted to them was handled with care and enhanced for the benefit of their superiors. Similarly, the unnamed steward of Joseph showed accountability by serving foreigners with kindness and meeting their needs as per his master's will. Jesus Christ emphasizes accountability in His teachings, particularly in parables like the Faithful and Unfaithful Stewards, where He states that to whom much is given, much is required. This principle applies to all, as each of us has been entrusted with God's gifts, His Holy Spirit, His Word, and various talents and callings. We are expected to be faithful and wise stewards, preparing and managing these gifts diligently, especially in anticipation of His return. The consequences of failing in this accountability are severe, as illustrated by the unfaithful steward who faces dire punishment for neglecting his duties. Paul further underscores this accountability in his letters, advising ministers like Timothy to be ready to teach and address issues promptly, watching over the church's needs as a steward watches over a household. Church members, too, must be accountable for their families, homes, jobs, relationships, and most importantly, their relationship with God Himself. Blessed is the servant whom His Master finds faithfully managing what has been entrusted when He comes. The lessons from the Unjust Steward parable also stress accountability, urging us to be resourceful and zealous in pursuing God's ways, using our wealth and influence wisely with eternity in mind. What we do with what God entrusts to us now determines our reward in His Kingdom. Faithfulness in small matters will lead to greater responsibilities later. Ultimately, accountability demands total loyalty to God, as He requires complete devotion from His stewards. Peter summarizes this call to accountability, urging us to be watchful and serve one another as good stewards of God's gifts, glorifying Him through Jesus Christ as we approach the end times.