Leader of Integrity

July 2021

I have an overwhelming desire to walk in godly character and integrity as the Lord molds me daily. Romans 3:23 says, “For we all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.” We all fall short at times, and I’m far from perfect, but I truly desire to learn from my mistakes and develop into the person He created me to be. The older I get the more I realize the less I know. Therefore, I continue to seek to know more about God's heart on how to walk in leadership with integrity. Proverbs 10:9 says, “Whoever walks in integrity walks securely.”

I had the honor and privilege of growing up around some amazing and influential Christian leaders. By their examples, I have gained not only knowledge on leadership qualities that I wanted to implement and model in my own life, but also practical tips on how to live a life pleasing to the Lord and sustain His presence over time. I see now that God placed me in the family that I was in as a divine appointment to be able to learn and grow from such great pioneers in the faith. I noted that almost every single great leader modeled outstanding courage to step forth and obey the Lord. 2 Corinthians 5:7 says, “For we walk by faith, not by sight.” They actively walked in faith and integrity along their journey which enabled them to become the men and women God had called them to be—influencing the world for Christ through their godly leadership.

Tim LaHaye once asked leaders a valid question. He asked, “What’s the point in trying to live a Spirit-filled life?” Unfortunately, many could not answer that question. Some leaders in our world today do not possess or even care about a Spirit-filled life based on godly purity, character, and integrity. Many people in our society today have been greatly wounded by leaders with lack of purity, integrity, and godly character and therefore those leaders have set a very bad example for the up-and-coming generations to follow. By many of those leaders’ “ethical blunders,” the generations coming behind us have no desire to walk the same road they plowed due to their trail of pride and ungodly behavior over time. Hank Brown said that since “Leadership is one of those words everyone uses, but not everyone agrees on its definition, many have been confused.” That is why discipleship with integrity and character plays such a key role in proper training for leaders of the next generation. As many seasoned leaders begin to teach and model the correct way to be a godly leader with high standards of purity and integrity, not only will those watching learn from the failures of our forefathers in the faith, but also their successes. Proverbs 16:3 says, “Commit your actions to the Lord, and your plans will succeed.”

By leaders having the courage to be open, honest, and transparent, it will help the new up-and-coming leaders avoid the traps they fell into and hopefully will enable them to bypass many of the same struggles. Godly leaders have the ability to show the leaders coming behind them that no matter what they walk through, God is in their midst. With Him by their side and as they walk in His likeness, they will be unstoppable. Romans 8:31 says, “If God is for us, who can be against us?” Therefore, to be a great leader, one must surrender to the Lord, allow Him to mold them along their journey, and courageously step out in faith to obey the Lord. It was not easy for our forefathers before us so one should not expect it to be easy for new up-and-coming leaders either, but it is possible.

Growing up, I also witnessed that godly leaders who courageously walked in integrity also modeled great humility. I found that humility is one of the key components to being a godly example. James 4:10 says, “Humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord, and He shall lift you up.” Some may see humility as a weakness, but in fact it is a great strength. Pride is the ultimate weakness and is sneaky. Pride is one of the main things that will take down a leader faster than anything. Proverbs 16:18 explains, “Pride goes before destruction, a haughty spirit before a fall.” Jerry White spoke to humility as, “Not having to prove yourself, instead you can just be still.” Psalm 46:10 says, “Be still, and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth.” Therefore, being humble is of utmost importance. Simply put, humility is the willingness to remain anonymous. President Harry Truman said, “It is amazing what you can accomplish if you do not care who gets the credit.” Pride, swagger, narcissism, and conceit are like a slithering snake that slides it’s way into a person as they feel accomplished. There is a fine line between being confident because God gave you the ability and grace to do something well and being conceited because of selfish, prideful behavior. Ronald Reagan also reiterated that, “There is no limit to the good a man can do or where he can go if he doesn't mind who gets credit.” Ken Harris explains to leaders that there are five attributes that he believes contribute to humility and can be found in humble men and women regardless of their status, fame, occupation, accomplishments, or lack thereof. Harris says that humility requires strength, gratitude, and empathy. It also requires admitting your own needs and the willingness to do the work to change into the likeness of God––allowing Him to be our role model. He states, “Because famous or not, rich or poor, old or young, humility is a sign of the man or woman who loves Jesus Christ and desires above all else a relationship with Him.”

Chuck Colson was high ranking in the government chain and was on President Nixon’s special counsel. He had an office next to the president for four years. Through his experience, he found that all the power and security the world had to give was nothing compared to the peace the Lord had to offer. Colson found that position without the power of the Lord is empty and filled with selfish pride. C.S. Lewis wrote in the 1940's that, “Pride is something we see in others but never ourselves. A proud man walks through life looking down on other people and things. But, when you’re looking down, you don’t see anything above yourself. You don’t see God.” Because of the Watergate scandal, Chuck Colson went from an office next to the president to a jail cell. It was in prison that He truly found his purpose and calling. It wasn’t in the fame but in the ashes that he arose into the greatness God had prepared for him. As he yielded to the Lord, he began having prayer meetings in his jail cell and saw the power of the Lord move mightily. He said, “All my years of looking for security––my education, my military appointment, my job, my position in government––ended up with me finding true security in God.” He also stated that true faith in God shows itself in humility. Tom Landry may be a well known football player that won world championships, but with all he achieved, he is still noted to say he felt empty until he met and cultivated a personal relationship with the Lord Jesus Christ. As we seek God’s heart and to build His Kingdom rather than ours, we find our purpose and destiny in the most unlikely places. More often than not, it doesn’t lead to fame, but humility––nameless and faceless so God gets the glory.

Ken Blanchard said that to be a follower of Jesus is to follow the greatest leadership model. Norman Vincent Peale, also known as the positive thinking pastor, said, “The Lord has always had you on His team––you just have to suit up.” Peale also explains that the toughest test of self-esteem is to bow your head and turn your life over to the Lord. He said, “The human ego doesn’t want to give up that kind of control.” There is no plan B when God appoints a leader to do an assignment for Him. The importance of yielding to His plan over our own agenda is vital to the success of a godly leader. Our highest priority and purpose in life is a relationship with God and active obedience to His voice. Leaders must listen and obey His plan and not look for alternatives or the easy way out. As leaders obey, they should walk in integrity and with godly character. Peale said that as Christ followers, we are all involved in sales—recruiting for the Kingdom of God. Although we are not out after production results or numbers, we are seeking to cultivate relationships through discipleship. God's purpose is for us to spread the good news of Him throughout the world. Leaders must be an example of Jesus in all they do, say, and act in order to reflect His likeness and love into the earth.

Bill Armstrong, a gifted businessman who served in the U.S. House of Representatives, explains that throughout his career he found that, “You can only find the answers to life’s deepest questions in relationship with Jesus Christ.” Ronald Harris also shares the importance of leaders having a personal, intimate relationship with the Lord. He says, “We often understand the importance of good relationships with customers in management, with investors, and around other people in order to be successful, but often lack good relationships where it counts the most.” Leaders are in danger of a fake front if they only have close, seemingly good relationships while in a leadership role and not in the private, secret place in prayer before the Lord. First and foremost, a leader of any kind must have a strong intimate relationship with the Lord and spend time with Him. Next, in order to be a good leader, they must have a strong relationship with their wife/husband and children. You can’t separate one without the other in God’s eyes. Harris says, “The Lord convicted me of my selfishness, that my priority had been my career, my title, making money, what others thought of me, my golf handicap over my love for my wife and kids. They were more objects for my pleasure than anything.” He also stated that intimacy with our wives/husbands leads to intimacy with God. I, however, believe that out of a strong intimate relationship with God flows a strong intimate relationship with one’s spouse and not the other way around. They go together like peanut butter and jelly. Vince D’Acchioli said that, “We will never discover God’s vision or have the ability to live it out unless we are intimate with Him. Going to church isn’t enough. Coming together with a community of believers is necessary for spiritual growth, but it should never take the place of our time alone with God.” Leaders cannot go out and save the whole world yet leave their family or own relationship with the Lord in shambles. Good leaders know the secret to success is to put God first and their family second above all other things.

Adolph Coors IV, a great man in the faith, remembers wanting to grow up to be just like his successful businessman father. He said, “I wanted to be just like my dad, Adolph Coors III. But with all his accomplishments, the only thing that stands out in my mind about my dad is that, as busy as he was, he always had time to spend with us. He loved us, and he didn’t mind showing it.” Although his father had wealth, prestige, and power, it was not able to protect the great leader from pain, loss, or death. He was shot in a brutal attack and everything he had worked his whole life to gain was gone in an instant. Leaders are not exempt from tragedy or loss. Just look at the life and legacy of Job in the Bible. Although Coors' children saw his fame in business, it was his time spent investing in his children’s own personal lives that received their highest praise over his prestige or business plan. Leaders can take note that their time should never be only spent on earthly riches, but on eternal rewards. Leaders face hardships no matter what is in the bank account or how much backing they have behind their name. No one is exempt from difficulties. Job faced much opposition yet still said in Job 22:21-22, “Agree with God, and be at peace, thereby good will come to you. Receive instruction from His mouth, and lay up His words in your heart.”

Growing up and throughout my years in ministry, I learned that whoever leaders lean on and look to as a source of help in the tough times shows who leads them and ultimately will show others if they can be trusted to lead them in return. Job sought God in times of need and therefore God could trust him. Bill McCartney said, “We can spend our whole lives searching for that one thing that will make our lives worthwhile, yet if we don’t find it, we feel lost, useless, meaningless. I have discovered where true significance lies. It’s in seeking and finding the very heart of God.” Matthew 7:7 says, “Seek and you will find.” Those who seek the heart of God in the big and small things make great leaders because they know how to lead others back to His heart.

Leaders must be ready to lead others back to the heart of God by modeling a life of godly character and integrity not just from a platform, but even in the aisles at the grocery store. Bentley Rayburn says, “In leadership, you need to be ready. You never know when you will be called to do something, big or small. But as a leader, you must be ready because unexpected challenges will always be part of a leader's life.” 2 Timothy 4:2 says, “Preach the word; be prepared in season and out of season.” Leaders need to be ready to shine God’s light in every circumstance. They are to be safe, approachable, and gentle examples of God's light, hope, and love and servants for their own families as well as to those around them. They should be safe houses in the eye of the storm for others. Leaders should leave a legacy for others to follow that always leads back to Jesus––our Life Raft while floating in the raging waters of life. As leaders, we must observe and continue to evaluate the spiritual legacy we are leaving behind for our family and those we lead. Vince D’Acchioli said that, “God intended for His followers to act as beacons, shedding light in a world of darkness. We must begin to take that responsibility seriously.” Being a leader is not a game to take lightly or a power to be used for harm. Micah 6:8 explains what the Lord requires of leaders, “He has shown you, O mortal, what is good. And what does the Lord require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God.” Leaders must see the call as a gift to be treasured and an authority to be used only with the leading of the Holy Spirit through much prayer, fasting, and time in the Word of God as they walk hand-in-hand with Him by their side.

I also have observed over the years that every person in leadership has free will and that it is important that each one chooses to die to selfish desires, align with God’s will, and commit to walk in the ways of the Lord in obedience. Dave Hentschel said, “Nothing shows up faster and more harmful than a Christian who really doesn't walk the talk.” God’s plans are best—not to harm us, but to prosper us. Jeremiah 29:11 clearly shows God’s will to bless our lives, “‘For I know the plans I have for you,’ declares the Lord, ‘plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. Then you will call upon me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you.’” Even if God’s will for our lives looks extremely difficult, impossible, crazy, or scary, we must know that it will not harm us, even if our worldly mind tries to tell us otherwise. Through life's ups and downs, Hank Brown said, “I wonder whether our Lord’s purpose is to prepare us for the life to come.” As we partner with His purpose and plans in faith, His blessings will flow. As we call on His name and trust His ways, we will walk the talk and lead with pure intentions in order to be containers of His power. James H. Amos Jr. explains that dependency and commitment to God and others is the sign of a great leader. He says that, “Being faithful and committed isn’t a function of personal convenience. Commitment is the function of doing the right thing, even if the cost is dear.” In Philippians 2, Jesus became the ultimate example by showing us what true commitment looked like when He followed God all the way to the cross. By looking at Jesus’ sacrifice, leaders can see they too must be committed to the call and follow Him in obedience no matter the cost. Commitment to God must be a leader's top priority––dying to self daily as we trust that His plan is better than ours. Through commitment to the call, our character as we walk out His will in the earth, and by the words we speak to bring life and not death, we reveal the true intent of our heart, our level of integrity, and our trust in God.

Bill Armstrong explains that leaders need mentors. He also reiterates that leaders also need to be open and transparent enough to mentor others in return. He said, “Mentors are not teachers, transferring reliable information from books to brains. Mentors are short-term, goal-setting figures; rather, they see unrealized potential in their proteges. They don’t come with the right answers; they come with the right questions, and they trust their understudies to discover the answers that align with God-given uniqueness encoded into their spiritual DNA.” Spiritual mentors are most likely filling in gaps that physical mothers and fathers did not provide. Dwight L. Johnson said, “I realize when we put our faith in our earthly fathers and mothers, we will oftentimes be disappointed, but when we put our faith in our Heavenly Father, we will never be disappointed.” Spiritual mentors and leaders must arise and walk in godly character and integrity in order to represent the Father’s heart to the ones they lead––filling in spiritual gaps. Leadership through mentorship provides a unique opportunity for Kingdom callings to arise by exploring God’s call, exposing any lies they are believing that stops them from the call, and supporting them in their Kingdom call which allows them to soar. Jesus Himself mentored His disciples through close, transparent relationships over time. He blessed them and equipped them to do greater things than He did––showing us that leadership combined with mentorship maximizes and empowers others to lead by example. Tom Landry said, “The challenge of any great leader is to get the absolute best out of people.” Jesus brought the best out of His followers and led by example and so should we. Even George W. Bush listened to godly spiritual leaders during his presidency. He once said, “It's time for the nation to have a strong moral leadership they can trust.” Through godly accountability and mentorship, Bush was able to lead in difficult circumstances as he pointed others back to the Lord. Because He depended on the Lord, he was able to lead well in tough situations. Bush stated, “I want God’s wisdom, and I need people to pray for me. We all need insight and counsel from others.” He went on to say that all he wanted was the courage to do what is right. Godly support and encouragement enables others to stand strong and courageous even in the midst of the most horrific times. Joshua 1:9 says, “Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.” With God by our side and godly spiritual guidance through others, leaders are matured and strengthened to march onward in courage without fear of what lies ahead.

Neal Jefferey once stated the importance for leaders to make every day count and allow God to use them as they walk in godly character and integrity. He explained that, “Every day matters. And every action matters. We have only so long, so let’s live today as if it’s our last day. Also, the tape is rolling, and someone is watching. Give today your best.” Tom Osborne encourages others to commit to following God everyday and not turn away. He said, “Discipline in our spiritual lives is critical.” He also said, “Pay the price and follow God.” Through discipline and godly guidance, anyone can make a difference no matter how busy their schedule is or how little is in their pocket book. Good leaders take advantage of each day knowing that with God, nothing is impossible. Luke 1:37, “For with God, nothing shall be impossible.” Bill Kennedy explains how successful leaders are busy and their lives can be stressful. He encourages leaders, no matter how busy they are, to prioritize spending time with the Lord each day and following His voice above all else––being faithful in every situation. Tim Philibosian says, “Who knows what God will do in and through a man/woman devoted to Him?” Change in the world around us starts with our obedience and obedience is doing what the Lord has put before us today. Small steps in God’s direction make big leaps over time. Josh McDowell said, “Freedom is having the power to do what you know you ought to do.” Freedom in Christ is following His lead in the big and small tasks of leadership to change the world one step at a time for God’s glory. Luke 16:10 says, “The one who is faithful in a very little thing is also faithful in much.”

By the strides many leaders are making today to model godly character and integrity, I am hopeful that the next generation of leaders will rise in courage with God’s power. I encourage all leaders and aspiring leaders to have a deep longing and desire, not for power or fame, but to walk in godly character, purity, wisdom, and knowledge with godly leadership qualities and utmost integrity in order to live a life pleasing to the Lord. I pray that as leaders walk in godly leadership and integrity, that they will have the courage to overcome all that stands before them, become men and women after God’s own heart, and influence the world around them for Christ.

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SUPPORT TEAM

GROUP LESSON NOTES

GROUP ACTIVITY

“Follow the Leader”

DIRECTIONS:

(This activity can be done online or in-person)

Have everyone in your group stand, choose one player, the Leader, to begin moving around with actions that the rest of the players must mimic. Anything — including wildly flailing his/her hands or furiously scratching his/her head — what the leader does, the others must follow. Those players who do not follow the leader, or lag behind the leader’s motions are out of the game. The last person standing wins or becomes the new Leader if you choose to play another round of the game.

GROUP QUESTIONS

1. Was it hard to follow the directions in the game “Follow the Leader”?

2. What qualities do you admire and honor in a good leader? Do you feel you possess any of those qualities in your own life?

3. What qualities do you find that are not admirable in a leader? Do you feel you possess any of those qualities in your own life?

4. Have you ever been wounded by a leader?

- What happened?

- How did you feel?

- What was the hardest part for you?

- How did you cope with it?

5. How can you model good godly leadership in your own life?

6. What steps can you take to prevent from wounding others through your leadership?

7. What is one thing that you would like to take away from this lesson and how can you apply it to your life?

GROUP BIBLE STUDY

READ THE SCRIPTURES BELOW

Romans 3:23, “For we all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.”

Proverbs 10:9, “Whoever walks in integrity walks securely.”

2 Corinthians 5:7, “For we walk by faith, not by sight.”

Proverbs 16:3, “Commit your actions to the Lord, and your plans will succeed.”

Romans 8:31, “If God is for us, who can be against us?”

Psalm 78:72, “With an upright heart he shepherded them and guided them with his skillful hand.”

James 4:10, “Humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord, and He shall lift you up.”

Proverbs 16:18, “Pride goes before destruction, a haughty spirit before a fall.”

Psalm 46:10, “Be still, and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth.”

Job 22:21-22, “Agree with God, and be at peace, thereby good will come to you. Receive instruction from his mouth, and lay up his words in your heart.”

Matthew 7:7, “Seek and you will find.”

2 Timothy 4:2, “Preach the word; be prepared in season and out of season.”

Jeremiah 29:11, “‘For I know the plans I have for you,’ declares the Lord, ‘plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. Then you will call upon me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you.’”

Joshua 1:9, “Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.”

Luke 1:37, “For with God, nothing shall be impossible.”

Luke 16:10, “The one who is faithful in a very little thing is also faithful in much.”

ACTIVATION DISCUSSION

• What are some practical ways we can live a life pleasing to the Lord and sustain His presence over time?

• How can we influence the world for Christ through our leadership?

• How can we walk in purity, godly character, and integrity in our everyday lives?

PERSONAL SELF-STUDY

Read: Philippians 2

GROUP PRAYER POINTS

ITEMS NEEDED:

- Paper and pen

• Write down the prayer requests of those in the group on a piece of paper (or slide/document if the group is held online). Pray over the list in agreement, believing that God will do the impossible and meet every single need and desire. Your group may also want to check off answered prayers and/or add to the list each week.

• Pray for and forgive any leaders who have wounded you in the past, lay them at the feet of Jesus, and ask the Lord to heal those wounded areas in your life.

• Pray for any leaders or aspiring leaders in the group.

• Pray for the leaders that are in your life: home, family, church, affiliated ministries, school, work place, city, state, nations, etc.

• Pray for the up and coming, future leaders of the next generation.

Leader of Integrity Lesson Notes.pdf

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