Topic

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.

Inspiring Shorts

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By Study & By Faith

Benjamin M. Ogles January 30, 2018

John Hughes October 27, 1998

Peggy S. Worthen, wife to the president of Brigham Young University.

Peggy S. Worthen | January 4, 2022

Sister Peggy S. Worthen shares the dangers of being too quick to judge and how the Spirit can help us overcome this habit.

devotional 2022

Gilbert W. Fellingham | November 9, 2021

BYU professor Gilbert W. Fellingham presents six rules for success in life from the perspective of a statistician and coach.

devotional 2021

BYU associate professor Melissa F. Western.

Melissa F. Western | July 14, 2021

Melissa Western shares how she came to know the Savior, and her testimony that we can each replace our fear with lasting peace from Him.

devotional 2021

Ryan Gabriel, Assistant Professor of Sociology

Ryan Gabriel | April 6, 2021

Ryan Gabriel explains how following Jesus Christ can help the United States begin healing from racism and can eventually change the world.

devotional 2021

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

Lynn G. Robbins | August 22, 2017

Agency and accountability are paired principles. Being responsible for your actions leads to having control over your life.

devotional 2017

W. Rolfe Kerr | August 17, 2006

W. Rolfe Kerr asks BYU graduates to consider, throughout their lives, whether they are measuring up to the unique mission and blessings of this university.

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

Just as it is important to read and learn from many books, it is important to remember that our life tells its own story, and we must write it well.

devotional 2005

Marjorie Pay Hinckley | April 11, 2000

Sister Marjorie Pay Hinckley advises recent graduates to take action in all parts of their lives by just doing what needs to be done.

commencement 2000

Marion D. Hanks | April 16, 1996

The atonement, along with our own agency and accountability, work together to comprise the essence of the Plan of Salvation.

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 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