LeadTip #29 Integrity
Lord, who may dwell in your sacred tent? Who may live on your holy mountain? The one whose walk is blameless, who does what is righteous, who speaks the truth from their heart; whose tongue utters no slander, who does no wrong to a neighbor, and casts no slur on others; who despises a vile person but honors those who fear the Lord; who keeps an oath even when it hurts, and does not change their mind; who lends money to the poor without interest; who does not accept a bribe against the innocent. Whoever does these things will never be shaken.” Psalms 15:1-5 NIV
◦ There was a time when a simple handshake could be trusted as a person’s sacred bond.
We know times have changed and lawyers are making a fortune because of broken contracts and promises. The Bible clearly teaches there is consequence to not living justly, in truth, in honesty and with a lack of malice. That consequence is not having access to the protection, covering and blessing of God.
◦ Sometimes the right thing to do is the hardest thing to do.
Integrity is living with a conscience directed by the Holy Spirit and a desire to always honor the LORD with one’s actions.
Life is filled with decisions. There are decisions that may cost you, that may result is some type of loss and even pain. Integrity leads you to make the right decision before God even when it is sacrificial. This is godliness. This is true Christianity and leadership.
◦ How many times did your heart lead you to be self sacrificing, forgiving, giving without expecting anything in return, but then you change your mind because of the cost?
There have been times at our church when we have asked for special offerings to accomplish a ministry endeavor. In the faith and emotion of the moment most people tend to rally and support the challenge. The integrity of one’s faith and heart though is evidenced by the honoring of the promise and commitment.
Words must be backed by truth and action, by fulfilling what is spoken and promised. This is integrity. Integrity can be seen and measured. It is what opens the door to the sacred tent and holy mountain of God. Integrity is what God esteems and blesses.
