SUNDAY June 19, 2022
A Leader’s Integrity
“ ‘Yet now be strong, Zerubbabel,’ says the LORD; ‘and be strong, Joshua, son of Jehozadak, the high priest; and be strong, all you people of the land,’ says the LORD, ‘and work; for I am with you,’ says the LORD of hosts. ‘According to the word that I covenanted with you when you came out of Egypt, so My Spirit remains among you; do not fear!’ ”
Haggai 2:4-5
Haggai gave another exhortation to the Jews; three times he told them “be strong.” God gave encouragement to the leaders and laborers to complete the assignment given to them. He entrusted His people with an amazing vision––the rebuilding of the Temple. God spoke first to the leadership, as they were the ones responsible to seek His will and to lead the people. God’s message was directed to the political leader, Zerubbabel, the governor of Judah, and then the religious leader, Joshua, the high priest, and finally, He spoke to the remnant––the people.
It was the duty of the governor and the high priest to set the standard for the people––to much is given, much more is required from the leaders. They were called to be models for them to follow, and, as such, they were to be men of integrity, not greedy or selfish for gain. When leaders have no integrity, and they become corrupt, those following will become very discouraged and unhappy. Bad leaders can cause much heartache.
John C. Maxwell breaks down the character of a good leader:
“Integrity: The leader’s life and words match. Justice: The leader rejects dishonest gain. Convictions: The leader’s values won’t allow him or her to accept bribes. Positive focus: The leader refuses to dwell on destructive issues. Pure: The leader disciplines his or her mind to remain clean and pure. Secure: The leader is firm, stable in his identity and source of strength.” The Maxwell Leadership Bible.
What kind of leader are you in the church? Are you maintaining a life of integrity before your family, church and community?
Integrity means that we are trustworthy and dependable, and our character is above reproach.
~Billy Graham~
For more from Raul Ries, please visit SomebodyLovesYou.com!
