Integrity: Don't Leave Home Without It

 By Dr. John Strubhar

Integrity is an issue of the heart. King David demonstrated it in his leadership of the people of Israel. In Psalm 78:72, NIV, we read, “And David shepherded them with integrity of heart; with skillful hands he led them.”

In our world, integrity is the missing gem in many corporate, political and even religious settings. Indeed, it has been the undoing of many who have adopted the leadership mantra of “lead, follow or get out of my way!” 

"In our world, integrity is the missing gem in many corporate, political and even religious settings."

A good leader does what is right even when no one is looking.

As I have mused on the above Scripture passages, I’ve come to the conclusion that integrity is that “indispensable ingredient,” that “unqualified extra” that sets a leader apart, puts the leader on the cutting edge of spiritually. Take away integrity, and we are left with the numbing reality of our own hypocrisy.

What is Integrity and Why is it Important?

Warren Wiersbe sums it up succinctly in his book, The Integrity Crisis: “Integrity is to personal or corporate character what health is to the body or 20/20 vision is to the eyes. A person of integrity is not divided (that’s duplicity) or merely pretending (that’s hypocrisy). He or she is ‘whole’: life is ‘put together,’ and things are working together harmoniously. People with integrity have nothing to hide and nothing to fear. Their lives are open books” (21).

Integrity is not born in a crisis, it emerges firm in a crisis. A leader of integrity does not have to convince others of his work ethic or lifestyle. It is self-evident. Even under closest scrutiny, the leader of integrity delivers. He does not betray his trust. Our Lord is a great leadership model in this regard. 

"A leader of integrity does not have to convince others of his work ethic or lifestyle. It is self-evident."

In the heat of heavy confrontation, his greatest critics had to acknowledge the “integrity factor” in Christ’s life: “Teacher, we know you are a man of integrity. You aren’t swayed by men, because you pay no attention to who they are; but you teach the way of God in accordance with the truth...” (Mark 2:14, NIV)

The Key to Integrity

The key to integrity is self-discipline. It is birthed within us only as we are totally transparent and honest with God, ourselves and our peers. It passes us by when we are more focused on the actions of others rather than being consistent in our own lives. 

"Integrity misses us completely when we are consumed with role playing spiritually, rather than being spiritual leaders."