Matthew 25:14-19 “For the kingdom of heaven is as a man travelling into a far country, who called his own servants, and delivered unto them his goods. And unto one he gave five talents, to another two, and to another one; to every man according to his several ability; and straightway took his journey. Then he that had received the five talents went and traded with the same, and made them other five talents. And likewise he that had received two, he also gained other two. But he that had received one went and digged in the earth, and hid his lord’s money. After a long time the lord of those servants cometh, and reckoneth with them.”

Text Matthew 25:19 “the lord . . . cometh, and reckoneth with them.”

When we consider the creature’s accountability to the Creator, it is imperative to remember that accountability extends to all men; “And as it is appointed unto men once to die, but after this the judgment” (Hebrews 9:27). While the lost will give an account for their sin, the saints will give an account for their stewardship. Within the text, it was the lord’s servants that received the lord’s substance to work with, in the lord’s absence; “who called his own servants, and delivered unto them his goods” (vs.14). Accountability occurred the day the lord returned; “the lord . . . cometh, and reckoneth.” Something to consider is that there are two sides to accountability. Most of us agree that the servant is going to give an account of his activity. Each servant will be held accountable for what he did with what he was given. You and I have been given a portion of our Lord’s goods. What are we doing with what we have? The second aspect of accountability is the servant’s attitude. The word “reckoneth” comes from two Greek words. One means to compute an account. The other means the computation of something said including the thought and the motive. God will not only judge us concerning doing the right thing, but doing the right thing for the right reason. The Psalmist said, “The Lord knoweth the thoughts of man” (Psalm 94:11). When we think about accountability, God is not only looking for the activity of the hands, but the attitude of the heart! Lust, law, and lucre can regulate the hands of service, but love rules the heart of service! He is coming, are you ready?