The Concern of the Preacher

Numbers 32:7 KJV

And wherefore discourage ye the heart of the children of Israel from going over into the land which the LORD hath given them?

Moses' concern when the two and a half tribes requested the land on the other side of the Jordan was that they would discourage the others from doing the right thing. He was not able to stop them from wanting what they wanted but he did not want them to discourage the others. 

Some people, like the ten spies at Kadesh Barnea, believe it is their duty and obligation to discourage people. They are not believers (either in the faith itself or else in the idea of practicing their faith) and they believe that believing is harmful. The spies made themselves self-appointed authorities and assumed responsibility to stop the congregation from following what they believed was Moses' foolhardy plan 

Others discourage less intentionally but equally effectively. They set an example of unbelief. Perhaps they even wish others success in their own spiritual journey, they just do not wish to continue on that journey themselves. 

In any case, Moses' priority was to protect the congregation from such discouragement. He could not prevent these people from what they had set their hearts upon but he could insist that they fight with their brethren. They were wrong to want the land on the other side. They were wrong to take the land on the other side. But they were required to stand with their brethren in their battle for the faith. 

For the sake of those whose hearts long to serve God, I must insist that those who are less inclined to live for The Lord still practice their faith according to God's Word or else they must remove themselves. Any other course will discourage the congregation from pursuing God to the fullest.