Gò0dNews for Everyone
Encouragement And Accountability
M
by Heather Tate
ore and more, I find myself wanting to be
try to remind my children that “two wrongs don’t make a
rebellious in nature to what society tells me is
right,” a statement my father told me often. When someone
okay, yet I do not want to break the rules. I want
wrongs me, I am not justified in doing wrong myself
to be accountable to God, others, and myself. I also find myself less afraid of standing out for something different
because I will answer for my wrongs when I face judgment. Our personal actions matter, and our choices do as
that I believe in; after all, this is what God calls His people to
well. When we choose to follow someone who openly does
do—be different (Romans 12:2), don’t succumb to ensnaring
wrong, we are condoning those actions. As humans, we
sin, but “lay aside every hindrance and the sin that so easily
make mistakes, and we must often seek forgiveness, but
ensnares us. Let us run with endurance the race that lies before us” (Hebrews 12:1). We should always, as difficult as the race may be, act with greater purpose and be accountable for our actions. One of my greatest issues right now is deciphering the deceptive stories that come my way from leaders we should be able to depend on for the truth. Micah 6:8 says, “Mankind, he has told each of you what is good and what it is the Lord requires of you: to act justly, to love faithfulness, and to walk humbly with your God.” Society has allowed, and often persuaded, blurred lines of what is right or wrong. The Ten Commandments (Exodus 20) are easily understood and presently relevant to us regarding the laws of God and what lines should not be crossed. 1. I am the Lord your God; do not have other gods besides me.
honoring God also requires us to do our best to honor His laws and commandments. Personally, I make mistakes every day, and I am
2. Do not make an idol for yourself.
thankful I serve a forgiving God. God loves each of us so
3. Do not misuse the name of the Lord your God.
much that He gave His son to die for our sins (John 3:16).
4. Remember the Sabbath day, to keep it holy.
Our sin separates us from God (Isaiah 59:2; Romans 3:23).
5. Honor your father and your mother.
God sent Christ Jesus to bear the burden of our sins on the
6. Do not murder.
cross so that we may be free from our sins (1 Peter 2:24).
7. Do not commit adultery.
When we admit that we are sinners, ask God for forgiveness
8. Do not steal.
from our sins, believe that Christ died for our sins and then
9. Do not give false testimony against your neighbor.
rose from the grave—defeating death—and willingly receive
10. Do not covet your neighbor’s house or anything that
Christ, we can be saved. “For everyone who calls on the
belongs to your neighbor.
name of the Lord will be saved” (Romans 10:13).
commandments do not rest in the gray area of life; we, the people, have blurred the lines between right and wrong. I
40 // December 2020
About The Author
God’s commandments are not blurry, and the Heather Tate is the founder and president of Intricate Umbrella Inc, a Public Relations and Communications company. Heather’s desire is to help anyone fulfill their true purpose in life through education and personal development. To find out more about Intricate Umbrella Inc and services offered, visit IntricateUmbrella.com or email Heather@IntricateUmbrella.com.
