³¹ And the children of Gad and the children of Reuben answered, saying, As the Lord hath said unto thy servants, so will we do. ³² We will pass over armed before the Lord into the land of Canaan, that the possession of our inheritance on this side Jordan may be our’s.

Numbers 32:31-32

Explanation:

Moses had laid out the expectations. They had to fight. If they fought, they could settle in the land that they wanted. They understood that this expectation had its source in God and was given to them through Moses. They were clear on the expectations. They were submissive to God’s authority. When they obeyed their would be blessing.

Application:

Accountability is a key to so much of what it means to be a leader. We seek God’s direction, cast vision, and lead people to follow what God has directed. We are accountable to God with that stewardship, and that means creating ownership, stewardship, and accountability for those who follow us. Paul said it this way:

² And the things that thou hast heard of me among many witnesses, the same commit thou to faithful men, who shall be able to teach others also.

2 Timothy 2:2

He also said this.

⁹ Those things, which ye have both learned, and received, and heard, and seen in me, do: and the God of peace shall be with you.

Philippians 4:9

We are accountable to God. As leaders we understand that, and as leaders we point that out to others. We provide the example, and teach people how to function accordingly. Part of that is holding them accountable to what needs to be done.

Response:

1. Is there any area of your life that you need to be held accountable in, and who are you going to ask to help?
2. Why do we resist holding people accountable? Is there someone you need to have a conversation with today?
3. What are some wrong ways to hold people accountable? Right ways?