Integrity

Integrity

MY QUESTION for GOD

How do I develop integrity in my life?

A MOMENT with GOD

This is a trustworthy saying: “If someone aspires to be an elder, he desires an honorable position.” So an elder must be a man whose life is above reproach. He must be faithful to his wife. He must exercise self-control, live wisely, and have a good reputation. He must enjoy having guests in his home, and he must be able to teach. He must not be a heavy drinker or be violent. He must be gentle, not quarrelsome, and not love money. He must manage his own family well, having children who respect and obey him. . . . Also, people outside the church must speak well of him so that he will not be disgraced and fall into the devil’s trap.

1 Timothy 3:1-4, 7

Paul lists numerous characteristics that are key to a life of integrity, whether for church leaders or any Christian in a leadership position. The common thread is consistency between what people believe and how they live. This is what is meant by integrity—the integration of faith and life. Leaders should apply the truth of God’s Word to every aspect of their lives, especially in the four primary areas we see in the passage above: Leaders should be mature in personal spirituality, exhibiting a vibrant faith in Jesus Christ and ministering out of the overflow of a deep knowledge of God; emotional maturity, exercising self-control and effectively managing anger, conflict, ambition, finances, and excesses (such as alcohol); relational responsibility, valuing people and relationships, especially within their families, and being gracious hosts; and ministry competency, being knowledgeable and skilled in communicating God’s truth and love to others. These high standards do not mean that spiritual leaders must be perfect but that they must be committed to integrity in all aspects of life.

DIVINE PROMISE

THE LORD REWARDED ME FOR DOING RIGHT. HE HAS SEEN MY INNOCENCE. TO THE FAITHFUL YOU SHOW YOURSELF FAITHFUL; TO THOSE WITH INTEGRITY YOU SHOW INTEGRITY.   Psalm 18:24-25