Accountability, Forgiveness, and Judgement

How do we reconcile Jesus' command for forgiveness against the need to hold associates accountable and our responsibility to dole out judgement at work? Servant Leader, here is where the rubber meets the road.

Not everything in the Servant Leader's walk is clear cut, and this is one of those topics. In Matthew 18, Jesus commands us to forgive.

"Then Peter came to Jesus and asked, 'Lord, how many times shall I forgive my brother or sister who sins against me? Up to seven times?' Jesus answered, 'I tell you, not seven times, but seventy-seven times.'" (Matt 18:21-22, NIV)

First off, this post is not about the etymology of "seventy-seven times" vs. "seventy times seven." It is sufficient to say either number, whether it be 77 or 490 is an unattainable number, which is Jesus' point. Forgiveness is not quantifiable, it is qualifiable, and very clear. Jesus is telling Peter there is no limit to the number of times he should forgive his brother or sister.

But, doesn't the Bible also call for accountability?

"As iron sharpens iron, so a man sharpens the countenance of his friend." (Prov 27:17, NKJV)

"Obey those who rule over you, and be submissive, for they watch out for your souls, as those who must give account. Let them do so with joy and not with grief, for that would be unprofitable for you." (Heb 13:17, NKJV)

"Brothers and sisters, if someone is caught in a sin, you who live by the Spirit should restore that person gently. But watch yourselves, or you also may be tempted. Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ." (Gal 6:2-3, NIV)

As clearly as the nose on my face, the Bible calls for accountability among believers as it does for forgiveness. So how do we, servant leaders, reconcile the two? And what about judging those under our charge - or even our supervisors?

We do so in the spirit in which each instruction is given. Forgiveness is for sins, accountability is for mistakes, and judgement on either is best passed with the wisdom and weight of God's word and sacrifice.

"Do not judge, or you too will be judged. For in the same way you judge others, you will be judged, and with the measure you use, it will be measured to you." (Matt 7:1-2, NIV)

Jesus chose His words carefully for their meaning. He knew we would be debating the etymology of scripture two thousand years later. He also knew His word would sustain us as much as it would confound us; therefore, He spoke with the clarity of the moment and with the weight of eternity all at once.

Forgiveness is a gift Jesus imparts to everyone through His sacrifice, death, and resurrection.

"Freely you have received; freely give." (Matt 10:8, NIV)

By Jesus' token, we as servant leaders have the responsibility to forgive limitlessly. As Christ has forgiven us our most grievous sins, we shall forgive our coworkers, supervisors, friends and family by His example. We shall forgive limitlessly. At the same time, we have a responsibility to be good stewards of our company's resources, whether those be people or things. Therefore, we must judge others' actions in the light of righteousness at all times.

Mistakes should be corrected, not condemned. A "zero defect mentality" as it relates to actions or services builds distrust among the workforce and destroys morale as quickly as allowing mistakes to go unchecked. Servant leaders are responsible to validate and correct mistakes our associates make regardless of their status. (Hint: If you must correct a supervisor or executive, do so tactfully and in private.)

At the same time, sins must be condemned and the sinner carefully brought back to the right way, not cast out, made an example of, shunned, or used as a stepping stool in our own quest to climb the corporate ladder. The Bible is clear that our measure of sin is like a light shining on a mirror. It reflects on us as clearly as it shines on someone we expose. If our motivation is ungodly, that motivation will be revealed and we will suffer the same fate. Still, someone who sins, who makes a deliberate choice to do what is wrong (sin = wrongdoing), not what is right, should be corrected. As servant leaders in a business setting we must be simultaneously good stewards and cautious of the law and God's word. (Follow corporate policy for reporting willful violations of law or policy.) Be the light of compassion that shines on the path out of the darkness, not the light of condemnation that exposes sin while blinding the sinner.

For a complicated topic, the choice is rather clear. Forgive limitlessly, allow people to make mistakes in their attempt to grow but correct them in a manner that builds the team instead of tearing it down, and stop wrongdoing in its tracks while guiding the sinner on the right path. That way if the wrongdoer elects not to follow then the corporation, not the servant leader, becomes their judge. Regardless, in all things be righteous, because the light of judgement is harsh and heavy.

“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.” (Matt 11:28-30, NIV)

(Image: Getty)