Accountability. This word seems to be everywhere. We hold financial institutions and other businesses accountable for the way they use their resources. We hold politicians and government leaders accountable for how they spend their time. We hold our children accountable for their actions and we hold each other accountable for our own actions if we are believers in Jesus Christ.

Serving in a feeding ministry raises a whole new issue of accountability.  We ask ourselves how we should hold the people we serve accountable for what they are given. We wonder what they will do after we leave them, and how we can ensure we are being good stewards of our resources. This week we had the opportunity to attend a roundtable discussion on homelessness, and this very topic came up. It seems as if we all struggle with the “what if’s” and at times seem paralyzed by this question.

I have come to a place that answers the question for me personally, and gives me the strength and courage to pursue my calling to ministry. I am accountable to one person and that is Jesus Christ. My serving and giving have to come from a place of accountability to Him. If I read scripture, I see a clear call to feed the poor and stand up for the down and out. The theme is repeated throughout the Bible. Does this mean that I am to throw caution to the wind and not observe boundaries, use discernment and good judgement, or seek wise counsel? Absolutely not. But it does mean that I can rest knowing that the One who judges justly will do so. I am not responsible for what people do with what I give them, but I am responsible for giving.

Isaiah 1:17 (The Message)  ”Say no to wrong. Learn to do good. Work for justice.  Help the down-and-out. Stand up for the homeless. Go to bat for the defenseless.”