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Presented, July 15, 2007 am

THE CHARACTER OF A GODLY LEADER

Integrity

                It is no secret that there is a need for more godly leaders both in the church and in the world.  In fact, as we look around us, just about everywhere we turn we see a lack of true leadership.  Far too many people are more concerned about what others think of them than standing up for and doing what it right.  In other words, WHERE IS THE INTEGRITY?  This is an attitude that is found not only in politics, government, our schools and in the business world (I am not saying there are no leaders in these areas, but there are many who are lacking in needed qualities), it is also prevalent in churches.  Today, far too many churches are more concerned about appealing to the masses with entertainment, the social gospel and community standing, than they are about defending and enforcing God’s word in their lives and purpose.  If the Lord’s church is to avoid total apostasy this has to change.  And that means godly men and women have to step up and lead according to their God given ability.

                This year I am presenting a number of lessons on the subject of leadership.   While in the course of time we will address the role of leaders in the traditional sense (i.e. elders, deacons, preachers, teachers, etc.) my focus in this study is to address the leader in all of us.  I am convinced that each of has the ability and responsibility to step up and lead to some degree.  In our last lesson a few weeks ago, we specifically addressed the need for godly leaders and noted how we are all to become leaders in one capacity or another.  For example – if you have children, you are to lead them; in society you are to be a godly example and do what is right even if it means NOT following the crowd; you need to defend the truth; and you need to be in control of your own life (leading your desires).  

But what makes a godly leader?  It begins with character.  And with very few exceptions, the character we find in those who lead in the traditional sense (elders, deacons, preachers, teachers, etc.) ought to be present in EVERY Christian.  For example, an effective godly leader is one who is honest, moral, disciplined, passionate, humble, courageous, focused, concerned, decisive when faced with choices, and numerous other characteristics that lead others to admire and respect.  NOTE hoe EACH of these is needed in EVERY Christian!  That is why I say that as we develop as Christians we should all naturally become leaders, at least to some degree. 

In this study of the leader in all of us, from time to time, I want to focus on two aspects of godly leadership: Character (the various characteristics we all need) and action (stepping up to do what needs to be done in your capacity) and demonstrate how we ALL need to develop these traits to be Christians pleasing to God.  Today, we begin with a foundational characteristic that we all need: INTEGRITY.

I.                    What is integrity?

a.             Defined, Random House Dictionary (www.dictionary.com) defines the word as follows:

b.             Biblically, it describes one who is living by godly principles at the foundation of his life.  It is those principles that are not subject to compromise and determine the character and reputation of that person.  They become a part of who he is. 
Integrity is seen in the many different words used to describe it.  Words like (synonyms) virtue, blamelessness, reputation, respect, honorable, principled, sincerity, purity, incorruptible, fidelity, trustworthy, immovable, sound, & truth.

c.              In the Bible the word is found primarily in the Old Testament.  In the New Testament there is one passage in the NKJV (Titus 2:7).  The KJV, ASV and NASU do not use the word in the New Testament.  However, numerous other words, many mentioned above, describe the concept. 

d.             “Sound” doctrine – a good description of integrity is the word of God.  The word “sound” means, “healthy” or “wholesome.”  Truly, God’s word is something worthy of respect and has withstood attacks, criticism, etc.  It is described as profitable to make one complete (2 Tim. 3:16-17).
Titus 2:1 – speak things which are proper for “sound doctrine”
David said that the word of the Lord “is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.”  (Psa. 119:105)
Psalm 19:8 describes it as “pure, enlightening the eyes.”
Romans 1:16-17 says that it reveals to us the righteousness of God.  Etc.
2 Peter 1:19 – of His word we are told we do well to heed it.

II.                  Godly leaders with integrity

a.       Godly leaders need integrity –
Because they are in positions of leadership, those who follow them have the right to expect integrity.  How can you truly follow someone you don’t respect or has not proven himself?  Consider 1 Timothy 3:2-7 describes elders as being “blameless”, “sober minded”, “of good behavior” and “he must have a good testimony among those who are outside”, as well as “one who rules his house well” because that indicates his ability to lead others.
Leaders have to be trustworthy so that when they ask you to do something you have confidence in their request.   Hebrews 13: 17 calls for us to follow our elders because of their example and they watch out for our souls and are to lead as shepherds.  Their faith is worth following.
Timothy as a preacher, even though he was young, was told, “let no one despise your youth” (1 Tm. 4:12) but rather he was to be an example in numerous areas that call for integrity.  How often today are we disappointed in the youth of society because of their misbehaviors and disrespect?
How can a leader expect others to follow him if he is inconsistent and hypocritical?
Truly, a godly leader must have integrity.

b.       In the Bible there are many examples of men and women of integrity.  Consider these briefly:

                                                   i.      Noah – who built an ark in the midst of a sinful world.  Gen. 6:9 describes him as a just man and “perfect in his generation.”

                                                  ii.      Joseph – in the land of Egypt refused to be disloyal to his master Potiphar, even though Potiphar’s wife was disloyal to him (Gen. 39:1-2).  Cast into prison by false accusation, even there he acted honorably and gained the trust of the prison guards (Gen. 39:21-23).  Even in the face of his brother later on he acts with integrity as he spares them.

                                                iii.      Joshua & Caleb.  Numbers 14:6-9 describes their reaction to the people rejecting Canaan after the 12 spies return from spying out the land the first time.  They warn the people. 
NOTE: Just because you have integrity doesn’t mean that everyone will listen to you.  BUT the right people will.
Their integrity is seen throughout their lives, even after Canaan is conquered by Israel.

                                                iv.      Daniel – who in captivity refused to eat the king’s delicacies and defile himself (according to God’s laws) (Daniel 1:8).  In all things, Daniel acted honorably and rose prominently in the ranks, even as a captive.  He prophesied to kings throughout the Babylonian Empire and into the Medo-Persian Empire, always respected, even by the foreign leaders he served.

                                                 v.      Ester – she was responsible for saving Israel from certain destruction because of her courage to go before the king, who had married her, and notify him of the evil plans of his counsel, Haman.  Chapters 7 & 8 record her actions in this matter.  It took integrity for her to stand up and proclaim her heritage in the face of death and to care for the well being of others.

                                                vi.      Stephen- Acts 7 records his death as he preached the gospel.  Even facing stoning he stood for the truth and condemned his ungodly enemies (7:54-60).  Earlier in Acts 6:5 he was among those chosen to minister to Hellenistic widows.  Thus he was described as being “of good reputation, full of the Holy Spirit and wisdom” and “a man full of faith…”

                                              vii.      Paul – His whole life is a case study in integrity and godly leadership. 
One passage of note is 2 Corinthians 8:20-22 where Paul is defending his apostleship and ministry.  He notes that while in their midst he and those with him acted honorably.  There was nothing for which they could be blamed.

                                             viii.      Jesus, our ultimate example of integrity – Jesus never committed sin.  All that He did was to serve us.  Even more so than Paul, His whole life is a book about integrity and honor.

                                                ix.      As you study these examples you see what integrity is about.

c.        A LACK of integrity – Many examples could also be given of those who failed to show integrity.

                                                   i.      Balaam – the prophet of God who betrayed His people for money

                                                  ii.      Judas Iscariot – who betrayed Jesus for 30 pieces of silver.  Described also as a thief.

                                                iii.      Ahab & Jezebel who wickedly ruled Israel

                                                iv.      Delilah who deceived Samson

                                                 v.      Ananias and Saphira who lied to the apostles, and more importantly, the Holy Spirit.

III.               We ALL need integrity

While integrity is crucial for effective and godly leadership, it is also needed by all Christians.

a.       Add to your faith virtue -  2 Peter 1:5.  The idea of virtue is “moral excellence” or integrity. The WS Dictionary says of this word (arete) “in a moral sense what gives man his worth, his efficiency”

b.       Throughout the proverbs we read of integrity -
Prov. 10:9, “He who walks with integrity walks securely, But he who perverts his ways will become known.”
Prov. 20:7-8, “The righteous man walks in his integrity; His children are blessed after him.”
Prov. 11:3, “The integrity of the upright will guide them, But the perversity of the unfaithful will destroy them.”
Prov. 19:1-2, “Better is the poor who walks in his integrity Than one who is perverse in his lips, and is a fool.”

c.        Prov. 6:6-8 – “Go to the ant you sluggard! and consider her ways…”  In the example of the ant we find the concept of integrity.

d.       Luke 8:15 describes the good ground as “those who, having heard the word with a noble and good heart, keep it and bear fruit with patience.”

e.        Acts 17:11 described those in Berea being more noble-minded than those in Thessalonica because “they received the word with all readiness, and searched the scriptures daily to find out whether these things were so.”

f.        Titus 2:7 – a characteristic of all young men (and older men and younger & older women).

g.        Ephesians 4:1, “I, therefore, the prisoner of the Lord, beseech you to walk worthy of your calling with which you were called.”

h.       Romans 12:17, “Repay no one evil for evil.  Have regard for good things in the sight of all men.”

i.         Philippians 2:15 – “that you may become blameless and harmless, children of God without fault in the midst of a crooked and perverse generation, among whom you shine as lights in the world.”

IV.                How do we develop integrity?

a.       If you are lacking integrity – REPENT!  You may have a bad reputation or have proven yourself unreliable.   Change!  Scripture is full of reminders of the importance of change – cf. 1 Corinthians 6:9-11.  Colossians 3:9 calls for us to “put off the old man with his deeds and put on the new man…
This is the FIRST step to integrity.  You HAVE to get your footing on solid ground.

b.       Start where you are at right now.   Understand this is something you CANNOT develop overnight.  Integrity is EARNED.
Titus was a young man that Paul could recommend and he did noting that he had proved himself – 2 Corinthians 8:22 says that he had “often proved diligent in many things”
Philippians 2:20-22 speaks similarly of Timothy.  In vs. 20 Paul says, “For I have no one like-minded, who will sincerely care for your state.” Then he notes, “But you know his proven character, that as a son with his father he has served me in the gospel.”

c.        Make total honesty a priority.  1 Peter 2:12 speaks of being honorable in the sight of all men.

d.       Become consistent and reliable.  PROVE yourself.  When asked to do something and you agree – do it!  Volunteer and do what you volunteer to do.  Understand, that depending on where you are coming from it may take years, but in time it can happen.  Consider the apostle Paul who formerly persecuted Christians.  He had to prove himself.  So did John Mark who left Paul and Barnabas on their first missionary journey.  Later, he proved useful to Paul.

e.        NEVER compromise your principles – true integrity is seen when there is a cost. 

Truly, integrity is something we all need to pursue.  It is at the foundation of true leadership, but it is also something needed in all of us.  AND as each of us develops in our integrity, we will develop as leaders.  They go hand in hand.

With integrity, we will have a better chance to teach our friends and loved ones.  When we have to address problems and differences, we can do some with more respect and credibility.  And, regardless of what others think about us, we will KNOW that we have done our best.  What about you?  How is your integrity?