Accountability

Does God care whether or not you are accountable for your choices? Of course He does! God knows each of us personally and wants all of His children to return to live with Him one day. One important part of this life on earth is making choices. Each choice we make has a consequence, which can be good or bad. We all desire happiness, and true happiness comes from being accountable for our choices, actions, and resulting consequences. Additionally, we need to let others be accountable for their choices in this life. We are all held accountable for mistakes we have made, but this doesn’t mean there isn’t any hope for us. Because of Jesus Christ, we can be forgiven of our mistakes. We will continue to hold accountability for our actions, but God will forgive our sins if we sincerely repent. Agency is a gift we all received from God. We show our responsibility for that gift by being honestly accountable for all our actions. Living an honest life is essential to returning to live with God again. In one devotional dealing with accountability, Benjamin M. Ogles, the dean of the College of Family, Home, and Social Sciences, stated, “Agency is inextricably bound to accountability: for every decision and action, we remain answerable to God. Without Jesus Christ’s role in the plan of salvation, this accountability would mean a dead end for us in our progression. Because of the power of the Savior’s atoning sacrifice, we can find peace, cleansing from sin, and ultimately eternal life in God’s presence” (Agency, Accountability, and the Atonement of Jesus Christ: Application to Sexual Assault, 2018). Read more talks here to understand the principle of accountability more fully and know how you can apply these teachings to your own life and your choices.

Kevin J Worthen, President of Brigham Young University.

Kevin J Worthen | December 4, 2018

I hope that you, like Harvey Fletcher, engage in educational work while having instilled in your very being your duty to God and your fellowmen.

devotional 2018

Benjamin M. Ogles | January 30, 2018

Being “an example of the believers,” living a life of kindness and compassion, keeping your covenant “to mourn with those that mourn,” and serving others can all have powerful effects on those around you.

devotional 2018

Lynn G. Robbins | August 22, 2017

Agency and responsibility are inseparably connected. You cannot avoid responsibility without also diminishing agency. Mercy and justice are also inseparable. You cannot deny the Lord’s justice without also impeding His mercy.

devotional 2017

W. Rolfe Kerr | August 17, 2006

As graduates you may think you have completed your last final exams. I must remind you, however, that one final examination remains for us all. This will be a comprehensive final exam, and it will include an ultimate accounting of our personal stewardships—what we have learned, what we have done with what we have learned, and who and what we have become.

commencement 2006

Dallin H. Oaks—first counselor in the First Presidency of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

Dallin H. Oaks | May 1, 2005

The text for this speech is unavailable. Please see our FAQ page for more information.

devotional 2005

Sharon G. Samuelson | January 18, 2005

Each one of us here is writing the book of his or her life, and reading, learning, loving, serving, and worshipping are integral parts of the process.

devotional 2005

Marjorie Pay Hinckley | April 11, 2000

The text for this speech is unavailable. Please see our FAQ page for more information.

commencement 2000

John Hughes | October 27, 1998

The Deseret News editor passionately describes the need for journalists who seek integrity in everything they do, despite the tough competition for readers.

forum 1998

Marion D. Hanks | April 16, 1996

We all have the need to know the processes by which we recoup what we could be and could have, had we chosen more wisely. So these are the three basics: Atonement, Agency, and Accountability.

devotional 1996

President Gordon B. Hinckley, prophet of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

Gordon B. Hinckley | October 13, 1992

Trust and accountability are the principles that make families, universities, and the Church run. Keep the trust that has been given to you.

devotional 1992

Howard W. Hunter - Mormon Apostle and Prophet

Howard W. Hunter | August 13, 1992

Recognize the contribution of those who have gone before you—and realize the immense and unique contribution you have to make.

commencement 1992

J. Richard Clarke | February 14, 1989

Christlike character is cultivated through our choices, not our circumstances or predispositions. We are always accountable for the outcome of our actions.

devotional 1989

Royden G. Derrick | June 14, 1983

The gift of agency is central to the Plan of Salvation. Using our agency to follow God's commandments gives us true independence and power over our destiny.

devotional 1983