Understanding Accountability Through Nature and Conscience
If you’ve ever heard about the teachings of Jesus—or even just wondered about the bigger questions in life—you might have come across people talking about “the truth” or “living God’s way.” But what happens if someone chooses to ignore or go against what Jesus taught? Let’s break it down in simple terms, especially in light of what the Bible says in Romans 1:20 about being “without excuse.”
What Does “Without Excuse” Mean?
Romans 1:20 says that since the very beginning, everything in creation—mountains, oceans, sunsets, the stars in the sky—points toward a Creator. Even if you’ve never opened a Bible, nature itself is like a giant billboard announcing, “God is real!” The verse puts it like this: God’s “invisible qualities—his eternal power and divine nature—have been clearly seen, being understood from what has been made, so that people are without excuse.”
In everyday language, this means no one can honestly say, “I had no way to know about God.” The evidence is everywhere, both in the world around us and in our own sense of right and wrong (our conscience).
Why Do People Disregard or Disobey Christ’s Teachings?
People have all sorts of reasons for not following what Jesus taught. Sometimes it’s because it feels easier to do things their own way. Sometimes it’s because of distractions—like chasing after money, popularity, or comfort. Other times, people just don’t want to change how they live, even if a part of them knows what’s right.
The Bible says that, deep down, everyone has a sense of what’s good and what’s not. But often, people choose to ignore that inner voice. Instead of focusing on God, they might put their hope in things—success, relationships, hobbies—or even ideas that promise happiness but don’t last.
The Heart of the Problem: Turning Away from the Truth
Ignoring or disobeying Christ’s teachings isn’t just about breaking a rule. It’s about missing out on a relationship with God and the good He wants for each of us. According to Romans 1:18-25, people have always had a way to recognize God—through creation and conscience—but they often turn away and start living as if He doesn’t matter.
When people disregard what’s true, they usually end up confused, making choices that hurt themselves and others. That’s why the Bible describes people as “without excuse”—not to make anyone feel hopeless, but to point out that we’re all responsible for how we respond to the truth we’ve been shown.
So What’s the Point?
Here’s the bottom line: God has made Himself known to everyone, everywhere. Whether it’s through the beauty of the world or the quiet nudge of your conscience, the message is clear. If we ignore or choose not to follow Christ’s teachings, we can’t say we never had a chance—we’re “without excuse.”
But—and this is important—the Bible isn’t just about pointing out where we fall short. The main message is that there’s hope for everyone. Even if you’ve ignored or disobeyed the truth before, God’s forgiveness and help are always available through Jesus.
A Simple Takeaway
· Nature and your inner sense of right and wrong are reminders that God is real.
· We’re all responsible for what we do with the truth we’ve been given.
· Disregarding Christ’s teachings means missing out on the best life God offers.
· No one is hopeless—God offers forgiveness and a fresh start to everyone who turns to Him.
If you’re wondering what to do next, it’s as simple as being honest with yourself and open to what God might be saying—through the world around you, your conscience, or the teachings of Jesus. That’s the truth, made simple.
Minister A Francine Green
August 2025
afrancinegreen.com 