Maintaining Integrity as Leaders
The word integrity is rooted in the word “integer” – which means whole, complete or undivided. As a Christian, I am to consistently apply biblical principles in character and action.
“Christian leaders have a unique opportunity to develop integrity and a unique responsibility to demonstrate integrity. We have spiritual resources to guide us and strengthen us through the process. Just wanting to have integrity is not enough. Having integrity at any given point in time is not enough. Maintaining integrity over a lifetime of changing and challenging personal and ministry situations must be our goal.” * (Iorg, Jeff. The Character of Leadership: Nine Qualities that Define Great Leaders, p. 26).
Iorg, in The Character of Leadership, shares three spiritual convictions that help maintain integrity:
- I am in submission to Jesus as Lord. (Philippians 2:5-11)
- I am a steward accountable to Jesus as Lord. (Luke 16; 1 Cor. 4:1-2)
- I am in an authority structure affirmed by Jesus as Lord. (Romans 13:1-7; Matthew 28:18)
Iorg goes on to share four prayers that exemplify a submissive attitude before Jesus as Lord that can help us maintain integrity as leaders:
“Lord, I am expendable, another day, or many decades, whatever pleases You.”
“Lord, I serve at Your pleasure. Use me, or not, whatever pleases You.”
“Lord, Your kingdom matters. Mine doesn’t. Advance Your cause, whatever that means for me.”
“Lord, You are God, I am not – help me keep that straight today.”
“MINISTRY LEADERS ARE UNIQUE BECAUSE CHARACTER DEFINES THEIR QUALIFICATION TO LEAD”
- Jeff Iorg
“For the grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation for all people, training us to renounce ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright, and godly lives in the present age, waiting for our blessed hope, the appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior Jesus Christ, who gave himself for us to redeem us from all lawlessness and to purify for himself a people for his own possession who are zealous for good works.” (Titus 2:11–14 ESV) Prayerful for you as you lead.
Your brother in Christ,
Brian Autry