No task or enterprise will succeed unless you have accountability. People rebel and lose focus unless they are made accountable for their actions. I know from experience having a coach or partner helps you stay focused on your goals. God’s “disciplines us for our good, that we may share in his holiness” (Heb. 12:10). When David was old, Abishag nursed and kept the king warm. Adonijah exalted himself saying he wanted to be king. He prepared chariots and horsemen with 50 men to run before him. His father never crossed him saying, “Why have you done so?” Only Joab and Abiathar followed him (1 Kings 1:1-10). People exalt themselves in evil actions or rebellion when they don’t have accountability.
Nathan told Bathsheba to ask David whether Solomon was to be king after him and not Adonijah. She said that Adonijah had sacrificed animals and invited all the sons of the king, along with Abiathar and Joab, but not Solomon. Bathsheba and Nathan asked who would succeed David as king so she and Solomon would not be considered offenders (1 Kings 1:11-27). Accountability confronts evil by seeking truth.
David said Solomon would be king and ride on David’s mule. He would be brought down to Gihon so Zadok the priest and Nathan could anoint Solomon as ruler over Israel and Judah (1 Kings 1:28-37). Accountability trusts faithful workers to follow through on their actions.
After he was anointed, the people rejoiced and the earth shook. Adonijah heard the uproar and the report that Solomon’s name and throne would be greater than David’s. Solomon said Adonijah would be killed if wickedness was found in him (1 Kings 1:38-53). Accountability increases your kingdom impact so God is glorified.
David challenged Solomon to be strong and walk in God’s commandments to succeed in all he would do. The Lord would have his sons sit on the throne if they walked before Him in truth with all their heart and soul. David said Joab should be killed because he shed the innocent blood of Abner and Amasa. David said that kindness be shown to Barzillai’s sons by having them eat at Solomon’s table. They assisted David when he fled from Absalom. Because Shimei cursed David, he told Solomon to show wisdom and even have him killed (1 Kings 2:1-9). Accountability challenges people to obey God’s word and reap the consequences of their actions.
David died and Solomon sat on his father’s throne with his kingdom firmly established. Solomon had Adonijah killed after he asked Bathsheba if Abishag could be his wife. Solomon dismissed Abiathar as priest, which fulfilled God’s word concerning the house of Eli (1 Kings 2:10-27). Accountability makes the tough choices in removing people from your team.
Joab was killed so David’s house and throne could have peace from the Lord forever. He appointed Benaiah to replace Joab and Zadok to replace Abiathar (1 Kings 2:28-35). Accountability appoints proven people in key positions.
Solomon told Shimei to build a house in Jerusalem and threatened death if he left it. When Shimei left to get his servants, Solomon confronted him about his evil heart and what he did to David. By having Shimei killed, the Lord returned evil on his head. The kingdom was established in the hands of Solomon (1 Kings 2:36-46). Accountability establishes boundaries so people suffer consequences if they violate them.
Review the underlined principles about accountability above and ask God what actions you should take in your life, family, business or ministry.
