Integrity. Is this becoming a missing value in leaders? That's my thought process this morning as I post this blog. To be real honest with you, I am seeing less and less integrity among Christian leaders and it is very disturbing to me as a pastor.
The word integrity is used often in discussion of leaders. People talk about whether a particular person has it or if it has been compromised. The challenge is defining what integrity is and how it affects peoples relationships and their ability to lead. Here is a good equation: values (what we believe) + behaviors (what we do) = integrity.
Looking at the two triangles that are identical in size and shape we would identify them as congruent.
When placed on top of one another, they are a perfect match. When we think of one of those triangles as values and the other as behaviors we are better able to think about our own integrity. Therefore, we must begin to consider matching our values and behaviors.
For example, if someone had a stated value of being on time, they would match that with a behavior of being prompt or even early for their appointments. If the stated value was a great relationship with family members, they could match that with spending more time at home or increasing their interaction with their children.
Integrity is an essential element for personal character and leadership ability. I mean, that makes sense, doesn't it? If people are going to follow someone, whether into battle or in business or in ministry, they want assurance that their leader can be trusted to DO what is right! They want to know that he or she will keep their promises and follow through with commitments. They want be confident that their leader will do what is right even when no one is looking.
In I Samuel 12:1-4 we read of a man with integrity, Samuel. During his farewell speech, after leading Israel for decades, Samuel promised to repay anything he had unjustly taken from anyone. What a promise! Even more impressive was the people's response: Not one person rose up to make a claim against Samuel!
Samuel's honesty and personal integrity permeated every area of his life. These two characteristics directed how he regarded his possessions, his business dealings, and his treatment of those who were weaker than himself. Samuel held himself accountable to the people he led. He opened himself up to the scrutiny of everyone with whom he had ever had dealings. As a result of this practice, Samuel's leadership has become legendary as this story has been told and retold through the centuries.
Samuel's example calls each of us to hold to this same standard of integrity. Whatever your leadership responsibilities, whether you are in charge of a multi-million-dollar business or a two-year-old child, manage your affairs with honesty. Let your personal commitment to integrity show in what you do during the day, everyday, even when no one is looking. As you do so, you will become a leader whom others will eagerly follow.
Comments