Bible Sermons Online

4. Values of Accountability (Connectedness)

Accountability also means connecting to the person whom you report to. There are many times you give a person an assignment to do. This person can become so busy with the work that he forgets to go back to the person to report the status and what he had done. It is important to stay connected with the person who assigned you the work. Reason is simple. The more you work on the project, you may have great ideas but these ideas may not be what the boss wanted. This lack of regular communication and update with the boss can result in misunderstanding between the boss and you as well as frustrations where you may feel that your works and efforts are not appreciated. It is important to stay connected to the boss.

John 15:5 clearly illustrates the importance of staying connected. Jesus says, “I am the vine, you are the branches. He who abides in Me, and I in him, bears much fruit; for without Me you can do nothing.” The branch can not be detached from the vine, otherwise it cannot bear fruits. Without the vine, the branch has no life. It is dead. Staying connected is very important. Christians who think they are saved and do not need to go to church, be part of a cell group or attend regular bible-study, will not be fruitful in their lives. These are Christians puff up with knowledge but not fruitful.5. Values of Family (Balance)

In the midst of all your hard works and ministry, do not neglect your family. You cannot glorify God if you neglect your family even in the name of ministry. If your family does not love you nor honour you because you neglect them, this is not God’s intentions. We got to live a balance life. 1 Timothy 3:1-13 tells us of the quality of a man in authority and in verse 5, it says that if a man fails his duty as a husband and father, he will not be able to take care of the church of God. This applies to anyone in authority whether in church, in business or in a place of authority. It is said that the strength of a man is not seen in the width of his shoulders but the width of his arms. Neither is the strength of a man in the amount of hair on his chest but the heart behind the hairs. You may be a male by birth but you can be a man by choice.6. Values of Love (Forgiveness/ Mercy/ Grace)

You cannot build anything on hatred, condemnation, anger and judgemental spirit. If God shows no mercy when you sin, would you be here today? No, you will not be. We are here today because of the love of God. When we fall, we fall into the arms of God. It is the constant unfailing love of God that gives you a sense of security. It is out of love that we are able to build things that last. Out of the sense of love, we know we are still loved by God no matter what mistakes we make and when we repent. Matthew 12:20 says that “a bruised reed He will not break, and smoking flax He will not quench, till He sends forth justice to victory.” It is the love of Jesus that holds us to God. We cannot allow unforgiveness, hatred and bitterness to rule in our hearts and in the church. But love.1 Corinthians 13:4-5 – (NKJV) Love suffers long and is kind; love does not envy; love does not parade itself, is not puffed up; does not behave rudely, does not seek its own, is not provoked, thinks no evil.

Let me share a true story with you about love being long suffering, patient and kind.Susan fell ill and became blind due to a misdiagnosis. From a powerful to a powerless person, she became very depressed and frustrated. Mark, her husband, was an air force officer. He knew that he has to do something to help his wife to stand up again. After rested for a period, he suggested to his wife to continue working and he offered to drive his wife to work everyday. For 2 weeks, Mark faithfully drove his wife to work and home. Susan was reluctant but she went along with Mark’s suggestion. However, after two weeks of ferrying, it became very tiring and Mark was worn out. Deciding that this is not the best solution, Mark felt that his wife has to learn how to take the bus to work everyday. When he told Susan that she has to learn to take the bus to work, Susan got very angry. Susan felt that Mark was giving up and abandoning her to face her blindness alone. He was tired of sending and bringing her to work. The worst nightmare was the thought of Mark not loving her anymore. But Mark assured her and told her that he would go with her on the bus until she was ready to go on her own. Mark did just that until Susan was able to board the bus and alight on her own.One day, Susan was going to work as usual on her own. That day, the bus driver told her that she was one blessed lady. Susan did not understand what the bus driver meant by that statement. She asked him to explain. The bus driver told her that everyday for the past weeks, there was a fine looking man in uniform who never failed to watch her get up the bus and he would be at the bus stop to watch her get down the bus. Each time, as she walked away into the office building, he would blow her a kiss and saluted to her before he went on his way. Susan, with tears welling up in her eyes, began to realise the deep love of her husband although she was blind.

Paul said that without love, he was nothing. A church, a family, and an organization must be built on love. They can fail but they can try again. It doesn’t matter whether you are poor or rich; the one thing you can give is love.

Please visit Sermon Alive to look at part 1, 2, 4, 5 and 6 at www.sermonalive.com