Hargrave Connected

Devotional

Integrity – An Essential Trait for Leaders 

“Show yourself in all respects to be a model of good works, and in your teaching show integrity, dignity, and sound speech that cannot be condemned, so that an opponent may be put to shame, having nothing evil to say about us.”  (Titus 2:7-8, ESV)

The Bible speaks of integrity often, and when it does, it conveys a variety of ideas – wholeness, fullness, innocence and incorruptibility, soundness, and sincerity. These biblical images of integrity form the foundation of good character. Similarly, the Bible shows sound character to be essential for leaders. 

In the New Testament, Paul writes to his proteges and young leaders in the church, Timothy and Titus, to tend carefully to their own character. In Titus 2:7-8, Paul reminds Titus that, as a young leader, he is to be a model of good works, full of integrity and dignity, and above reproach. Titus is to be the kind of man that no one can (honestly) say anything evil about. Titus is to be a man who exemplifies biblical integrity. 

Paul also admonishes them to consider character as a key requirement as they appoint leaders in the church (see I Tim. 3:2-7, and Titus 1:6-9). Most of Paul’s requirements for leadership make perfect sense. No one would want to follow an undisciplined leader, a greedy and selfish leader, or a leader who leads by violence and intimidation. Others may seem odd to us. Who among us would have included hospitality? Yet, there is wisdom in Paul’s instruction – hospitality softens hearts and builds bridges. What leader couldn’t benefit from that? 

It is also safe to say that Paul emphasizes character over ability. Paul isn’t saying that ability is irrelevant to leadership, but it is subservient to character. A leader of ability without character is poison, while a leader of character serves and builds up others.

Paul requires leaders to be characterized by integrity – leaders who are whole, sound, sincere, innocent, and incorruptible. Paul’s standards are certainly high, but they aren’t extraordinary. None of these traits are beyond any of us – with God’s help and some diligence on our part.

As we consider the character trait of integrity this month, let’s remember Paul’s charge to the leaders of the church. May our young men be leaders of integrity who are humble, dignified, not quarrelsome or violent, upright, lovers of good, respectable, self-disciplined, and, yes, hospitable. In short, young men who love God and who love their neighbors as much as they love themselves. Leaders of integrity are the kind of leadership the world needs.