Integrity

Leaders should have integrity (Psalm 78: 72)-72.  So he fed them according to the integrity of his heart; and guided them by the skillfulness of his hands.David, the chosen Servant of Christ was filled with the Holy Spirit; and so he was blessed by God with the integrity and ability to lead the people and offer provisions; guiding them skillfully; with his hands.  God's leaders should be people of integrity.

• Integrity takes effort (Psalm 101 3-8)-3.  I will set no wicked thing before mine eyes: I hate the work of them that turn aside; it shall not cleave to me.  4.  A froward heart shall depart from me: I will not know a wicked person.
  5.  Whoso privily slandereth his neighbour, him will I cut off: him that hath an high look and a proud heart will not I suffer.
  6.  Mine eyes shall be upon the faithful of the land, that they may dwell with me: he that walketh in a perfect way, he shall serve me.in a…: or, perfect in the way
  7.  He that worketh deceit shall not dwell within my house: he that telleth lies shall not tarry in my sight.shall not tarry: Heb. shall not be established
  8.  I will early destroy all the wicked of the land; that I may cut off all wicked doers from the city of the Lord.

It takes effort from our part to live in a way that honors God; the Lord will not see wickedness in His house; He despises evil; He cannot co-exist with evil.  Anyone who speaks falsely of their neighbor will be cut off from God's kingdom.  Anyone that thinks too highly of themselves; are arrogant, or that they are better than everyone else; like they have never needed assistance or ever needed God--those who look down on others--they will be punished by God.  The LORD watches over those who are faithful.  They will live with HIS Spirit; those who are careful to live in a way that is pleasing to the LORD.  Those that cling to the LORD for His strength during trials and tribulations to resist evil.  The LORD will remove from HIS presence anyone that practices deceit; those that lie regularly, cannot remain in the House of the LORD; they will not be established in the faith.  The LORD will destroy the wicked; those are the ones that death finds, many times sooner than later since they choose not to turn from evil before the presence of God.

• Leaders in the church should be full of integrity (Titus 1: 7)-7.  For a bishop must be blameless, as the steward of God; not self-willed, not soon angry, not given to wine, no striker, not given to filthy lucre;

A church leader should be a person of character--they should be honest in their dealings even when nobody is watching; they should not choose their own way of life--doing as they please; they should not be easily angered--or short tempered; not consuming alcohol at all; not aggressive--loving discord, or a lasher--starting problems or conflict; should not enjoy hurting others; also they should not seek ill gotten gain; doing things that are dishonest or illegal to gain money; being greedy; stealing money or from others (whether it be money, a promotion at work--purposely destroying other's work, hiding their work, excluding them from updates, etc,--in an effort to appear as the better employee;), killing people for their money; bribery; another example: doctors/physicians omitting to their patient's illness or need for treatment; failing to provide accurate information to patient of their condition, and so on...etc.. 

• Maintain integrity in teaching others (Titus 2: 7)-7.  In all things shewing thyself a pattern of good works: in doctrine shewing uncorruptness, gravity, sincerity,

We the body of Christ should remain honest and faithful in teaching others--setting the best possible example to others who are watching and learning from us on how to conduct themselves.  We should never feel comfortable doing wrong or evil neither hidden or out in the open in the eyes of others.

May God bless you with the ability to live a life of integrity today, tomorrow, and forever until the day of Jesus' return.  Amen.