Looking for accountability

David Bowman July 20, 2021

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Throughout the time the priest Jehoiada instructed him, Joash did what was right in the LORD's sight. ~2 Kings 12:2 (CSB)

Who is it who helps you stay on the Straight and Narrow? Who is it who gives you wise counsel and timely advice? Who is it who asks you the hard questions that lead to the right answers?

Everyone needs someone like this. Two are three someones are even better. People like Jehoiada provide instruction and accountability. They show us the way we should go based on their own prior experience and the example of others. They know the difference between what someone wants to happen through a particular course of action and what will probably happen based on how things have unfolded before.

If you are on the younger side of middle age, who is your Jehoiada? Who do you go to for up-close wisdom and instruction? Who mentors you at a distance through their writing and teaching?

If you are on the other side of middle age, who is your Joash? Who are you coaching and encouraging? How are you preserving your wisdom to benefit others who come behind you?

Young leaders full of ideals and ideas help keep older leaders fresh in their thinking. Older leaders full of experience and wisdom help keep younger leaders from errors that cannot be erased.

This is the blessing of accountability. Accountability is not a punitive experience. Instead, it answers the question my friend Dave Rhodes likes to ask: How can we help me step into who God has called me to be?

This verse is a powerful point of truth. As long as Joash had Jehoiada, he "did what was right in the LORD's sight." Every Joash needs a Jehoiada. Every Jehoiada needs a Joash. One step further: Every Jehoiada needs a succession plan. Every wise leader should equip and train those who will eventually succeed him. Otherwise, there will be disaster like what happened in the rest of the Joash story.

• Who mentors you?
• Who are you mentoring?
• How are you preparing your successor for success?

Our Father, thank you for wise mentors who have taught me and guided me. They asked me hard questions. They helped me discover the right answers. They showed me the way I should go. Empower me to serve others in this manner even as I continue learning along the way. Amen.

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David Bowman, (DMin, PCC) is the Executive Director of Tarrant Baptist Association in Fort Worth, Texas. He also serves as a Multiplying Trainer for Future Church Co. Learn More »

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