Accountability

I have recently started my deep dive into Genesis and I am surprised about all the things I'm learning so I wanted to share what I have learned.

Chapter - Genesis 20:1-18, specifically 11-13.

The word accountability means an obligation or willingness to accept responsibility or to account for one's actions. In 2023, we hear this word thrown around a lot. Being accountable is one of those things that you learn on your journey as a Christian. I have had situations in my life where I try to justify my actions or blame others rather than look to myself and understand what I have done wrong or how could I have dealt with it in a better way. It is certainly not easy as we try to pacify ourselves but Christ vindicates us and teaches us to grow.

Abraham was in one such situation. Actually, this was his second time in deception. Abraham moved his clan to a place called Negev and settled near the city of Gerar. Once again, as he had in Egypt, Abraham feared that men would treat him badly when they saw the beauty of his wife. So he told Sarah to lie again that he is her brother to escape danger. King Abhimelek was taken by Sarah and took her to be his wife. The problem was Sarah was already married and she was to give birth to the son of promise who would eventually bring forth Messiah. God intervened and scared Abhimelek through a dream revealing the truth about Sarah being married. He immediately returned Sarah back to Abraham.

The focus here is Abraham's response to this situation when Abhimelek asked him “What have you done to us? How have I wronged you that you have brought such great guilt upon me and my kingdom? You have done things to me that should never be done.”

Response 1 - “I said to myself, ‘There is surely no fear of God in this place, and they will kill me because of my wife.’

Abraham was afraid that the people here would kill him. He said there was no fear of God amongst them but what about him? God has shown Abraham His great power and can give him a powerful blessing but yet again he did not trust God to protect him or learn from what happened last time. He forgot that God has a plan and purpose for both Abraham and Sarah and His commandments but sadly in his fear, he forgot. He then deflects the blame onto the people.

Response 2: Besides, she really is my sister, the daughter of my father though not of my mother; and she became my wife.

It was a half-truth. He was trying to justify the claims but his intention was to deceive so therefore it's a lie. The intention is pretty important. We may convince others and ourselves but God sees our heart. It takes a great deal of strength to admit that we were wrong not just in front of others but even ourselves but we have a God who forgives and shows us grace and helps us to over if we are willing.

Response 3: when God caused me to wander from my father’s house, I said to her, ‘This is your kindness that you should do for me: in every place, wherever we go, say of me, “He is my brother.”’”

This is an indirect way of blaming God for the situation that he is in because God set him out on this dangerous journey.

God intervened in the situation and closed the womb of every female in the palace because of Sarah which was reversed with the release of Sarah and Abraham's prayer. The deception led to a lot of problems be it for the Pharaoh or King Abimelech. Abraham did not hold himself accountable for this situation but God did not let go of His promise even though Abraham was not faithful.

Holding ourselves accountable is never easy especially when we think we didn't do anything wrong. We are also not able to truly understand or see the impact of our mistakes. We often find ways to justify ourselves, and our intentions but God reveals truly what is in our hearts when we come face to face with the truth that we were wrong. It is hard to accept the truth and we become defensive but it is a period of growth and God teaches us and helps us to grow in wisdom, and to hold ourselves accountable. He is patient, full of grace, mercy, and love, and forgiving. All of this is possible if we are willing to listen, but only if you are willing. It will be difficult at first but you will find yourselves growing and flourishing in God. We should not let our mistakes make us forget God's plans and promises in our lives.