We are accountable for what we do and what is done in our name or under the banner of our corporate authority.

That includes what nations do as we direct them, authorize them, or support them.

That includes what businesses do with our support.

And, of course, it includes our own individual decisions.

Hosea was speaking to a chosen and beloved people when he brought forth an indictment of their behavior. God was speaking through him to hold a blessed people accountable for their deeds.

Case in point:

Hosea 11:12–12:14

New Revised Standard Version Updated Edition

Ephraim has surrounded me with lies
and the house of Israel with deceit,
but Judah still walks with God
and is faithful to the Holy One.

Ephraim herds the wind
and pursues the east wind all day long;
they multiply falsehood and violence;
they make a treaty with Assyria,
and oil is carried to Egypt.

The Lord has an indictment against Judah
and will punish Jacob according to his ways
and repay him according to his deeds.
In the womb he tried to supplant his brother,
and in his manhood he strove with God.
He strove with the angel and prevailed;
he wept and sought his favor;
he met him at Bethel,
and there he spoke with him.
The Lord the God of hosts,
the Lord is his name!
But as for you, return to your God;
hold fast to love and justice,
and wait continually for your God.

A trader in whose hands are false balances,
he loves to oppress.
Ephraim has said, “Ah, I am rich;
I have gained wealth for myself;
in all of my gain
no offense has been found in me
that would be sin.”
I am the Lord your God
from the land of Egypt;
I will make you live in tents again,
as in the days of the appointed festival.

I spoke to the prophets;
it was I who multiplied visions,
and through the prophets I will bring destruction.
In Gilead there is iniquity;
they shall surely come to nothing.
In Gilgal they sacrifice bulls,
so their altars shall be like stone heaps
on the furrows of the field.
Jacob fled to the land of Aram;
there Israel served for a wife,
and for a wife he guarded sheep.
By a prophet the Lord brought Israel up from Egypt,
and by a prophet he was guarded.
Ephraim has given bitter offense,
so his Lord will bring his crimes down on him
and pay him back for his insults.

A gracious, loving, and just God balances the books somehow and calls for accurate accounting.

We do not have exemptions from doing the right thing. No one does. No nation or people group does.

It is cooking the books of God when we do not present clean ledgers and hold ourselves accountable.

Christians have a doctrine of salvation by grace through faith. I affirm that and live by it.

We are still accountable. It is not merely about where we will spend eternity. Once we are saved, that stops being our chief concern. We are in the Kingdom of God and shapes our motives and desires.

We live by the law of love, not the law of making sure we are going to Heaven.

Love rules, guides, and overrides because we have been transformed by it in the spiritual process of being made fit for Heaven.

Do these action bear witness to the Kingdom of God, the reign of love on the earth?

Let me boil it down more?

Does this bomb I am dropping declare the reign of Christ and triumph of God’s love on the earth?

Does this law or policy reflect that love?

Am I loving my neighbor when the results of my actions kill, starve, or evoke fear in the hearts of children?

Blessed and highly favored?
Good. But do what is right.

Accurate theology?
Good. But do what is right.

Are you chosen, elect, or called?
Good. But do what is right.

Are you forgiven?
Good. But do what is right.

Are you showered with grace and mercy?
Good. But do what is right.

Do what is right.
Treat people well.
Stand for the oppressed.
Hold the “Elect” accountable.
Hold nations accountable.
Stand against violence, war, genocide, and bondage.
Stand against systemic evil, speak against what is wrong.
Fight with your might for human rights.
Love your neighbor, your people, your enemies, and your friends.

Don’t cook God’s books.

Be accountable.

Hold leaders and nations accountable.

Do it with love, but do it.

We do we start?

There is massive injustice in our nation and world today.

There is genocide, whether indented or not and both.

There is heartlessness in our decision making and greed in our motives.

In the end, God wins, but for now, we must be engaged in that process