Integrity to Lead
Leadership requires integrity. A word given is the word that must be performed. Such is not always the case. Leaders engage, then back off in the face of difficulty. Parents threaten but fail to follow through.
At times like these, the leadership position may continue, but authority to lead is broken because the word of the one leading has proven false. Those under their charge are left to fend for themselves, hanging over the edge of a precipice of integrity created by the leader’s weakness.
Leadership pivots on integrity. Failure to stand firm in what you’ve said—to keep your word and fulfill your commitments—becomes a slippery slope through which other areas of a flawed character eventually come to light.
In the Bible, the word “integrity” most often means “blameless”—innocent, not guilty. Leaders must realize that integrity of heart is demonstrated in consistent and principled standards, a covering of blameless protection for them and those following their lead.
Amen.