Learning to Lead Like JesusSample

Learning to Lead Like Jesus with Accountability

Jesus Was Accountable

Jesus was accountable to His Heavenly Father. Under the pressure and pain of His humanity, He asked for another way, knowing His Father’s way was the only way. What a freeing thought, to know we can ask for a way out, but still accept God’s will as the best way. The cup of the cross did not pass, but an angel of the Lord did pass by to strengthen Jesus to carry out God’s will. Accountability to His Heavenly Father’s will was what mattered most to Christ, and it should be the same for all who follow Him. In prayer God bends our will to His will in obedience to His greater good.

What is Accountability?

When we give others permission to stick their noses into our business, to ask the hard questions, and to call us out when our behavior does not match what we say we believe, we are accountable. Trusted friends who love us should love us enough to question our motives and move us closer to the heart of Christ. If your spouse’s behavior is concerning you, and you feel comfortable to discuss it—that is  an example of accountability.

The goal is not just to keep us from foolish decisions, but to grow us in wise decision making. Good questions help us examine our hearts.

Twelve accountability questions that can clarify our intentions:

1. Why do you want to … (change your job, leave your church, go into debt, etc.)?
2. How does the Bible address this issue?
3. What does your spouse think?
4. What’s best for your family, your faith, and your friends?
5. Does this decision align with your life purpose and long-term goals?
6. Are there any of your actions or attitudes you would not want posted on social media?
7. Are you sure you want to do this?
8. Have you adequately prayed about this decision and thought through its implications?
9. Are you reacting out of anger and fear, or responding out of forgiveness and faith?
10. What advice would you give someone else in your situation?
11. Is this the story you want to write for your life and later have told about you?
12. What would Jesus do?

Surround yourself with those who will tell you the truth in love. Find objective friends whose goal is for you to follow God’s will for your life. Accountability is the Lord’s instrument to protect you from yourself and from the penalty of poor decision-making. We all make mistakes, but accountability minimizes them.

The wise leader gladly submits to accountability.

Point to Ponder: Accountable leaders take the time to develop plans and work them.

Questions to Consider...

• What does it mean to be truly accountable? Based on that definition, are you accountable?
• Who really knows you, and who do you really know?
• Why are you much wiser when you are accountable?