LEADERSHIP IMPACT (7)

“The righteous man WALKS in his INTEGRITY; his children are blessed after him” – Proverbs 20:7

INTEGRITY is fundamental to LEADERSHIP IMPACT: “The righteous man WALKS in his INTEGRITY; his children are blessed after him” (Pro.20:7). Integrity derives from the words “integer” and “integrated,” inferring: a whole number not a fraction; whole character, authenticity, completeness, consistency, honesty, incorruptness, truthfulness, uprightness, and being principled in words, conducts, and deeds. It describes unbroken completeness with nothing lacking; a conduct that conforms to accepted standards of right and wrong, total dedication to truth, and devotion to high moral and divine standards. Integrity is an inspired but individual choice to hold oneself to consistent moral and ethical standards.

Integrity is also highly rewarding: “He who walks with INTEGRITY walks securely…” (Pro.10:9a); “The INTEGRITY of the upright will guide them, but the perversity of the unfaithful will destroy them” (Pro.11:3). God delights in “He who WALKS with INTEGRITY, and works righteousness, and speaks truth in his heart” (Psa.15:2). Integrity is more valuable than money or possessions: “Better is the poor who walks in his integrity than one who is perverse in his lips, and is a fool” (Pro.19:1). Wealth without integrity is vain: “Better is the poor who walks in his integrity than one perverse in his ways, though he be rich” (Pro.28:6). Even brilliance without integrity is otiose.

The person of Integrity is a whole or integrated person: undivided, not camouflaging for different occassions – private or public. Integrity is crucial to all people, especially Believers in Christ. It doesn’t matter the height one has risen to, or the success achieved, without integrity it’s all a huge deficit. Lack of integrity brings demotion and disgrace – a fall from grace to grass. A wise person will walk in integrity and guard it jealously. A good name is better than precious ointment (Ecc. 7:1a). God gives Grace for His to be people to walk in integrity: sincerity and singleness of purpose, freed from cunning craftiness (Eph. 4:14).

Someone says: “Integrity is Christ-like Character in work-clothes” – Character in Practice! It’s the quality of being Upright in Character; openness of heart and purity before our Maker; and moral soundness in one’s entire Character. A person of Integrity has nothing to hide; no “skeletons in the cupboard”! Walking in Integrity liberates one from the fear of being exposed, being caught in the web of sin, or worry about being found in a wrong place. Joseph’s Integrity set him apart, such that Potiphar entrusted to him all he owned (Gen.39:6). Integrity also preserved him from the strong seduction of Potiphar’s wife (Gen.39:8-12). Integrity paved the way for him into the Palace (Gen.41:39-44). David also served and led by Integrity of heart (Psa.78:72).

With integrity, public and private conducts align;there is congruency between word and deed, and what is preached is what is practiced. Integrity is like a shield – especially against false accusation, that keeps a leader secured (Pro.2:7).