In 1 Timothy 3:2 the Bible says leaders in the church must be “blameless” (NKJV), “above reproach” (NIV). There are a number of issues addressed in scripture that speak to the essential nature of integrity in ministry (Titus 1:5-9; 1 Peter 5:1-4), but let me encourage ministers and other Christian leaders to especially guard their lives in six particular areas:
Danny AkinGuard your integrity by always being completely honest. Do not pad your resume or reputation with false or inflated accomplishments. The Bible says God hates a proud look and lying tongue (Proverbs 6:17). Be a truth-teller in every area of your life, both in the big things and the little things.
Guard your integrity in your dealings with the opposite sex. If you are married, covenant with the Lord and your mate never to be alone with anyone of the opposite sex. Men, be known as a “one woman kind of man” (1 Timothy 3:2; Ephesians 5:33). Ladies, be known as a “one man kind of woman.” If you are single, be careful in your conduct with the opposite sex. Treat them with the respect due a sister or brother in Christ. Avoid those private places where your hormones can override your will and you make a bad decision that can change your life forever.
Guard your integrity when it comes to money. As a minister, require annually a full outside audit of your church finances. On the personal level, have nothing to do with the direct financial responsibilities of the church. Do not have check writing authority. Do not handle or receive money, but direct individuals to the proper persons who handle the finances. Never use a church credit card for personal reasons. Use your own credit card for personal reasons. When you do use a church credit card, always document its use with a receipt and a description of how it was used. Maintain accountability with someone. Go the extra mile to be blameless.
Guard your integrity when it comes to your family life. First Timothy 3:4 says leaders must rule their own house well and have children who are in submission with all reverence. Titus 1:6 adds that they must be faithful, “not open to the charge of being wild and disobedient.” One’s family life is often an accurate reflection of their spiritual life. Godly men and women will raise up godly children who love Christ and obey the Bible. Few areas of investment will yield greater reward
Guard your integrity with solid theological competency. Often moral and ethical sins grow out of a defective biblical and theological life. Failing to cultivate a healthy understanding of theological truth like the sovereignty and holiness of God, the sinfulness and depravity of man, the process of sanctification and the necessity of biblical wisdom, and the centrality of Christ and the crucified life, you begin to think and then live in a manner that is foreign to the clear teachings of scripture. Nothing will be more valuable in avoiding this danger than a steady diet of biblical exposition, whereby you are continually exposed to the totality of God’s revealed truth. What you believe will determine how you live. Belief and behavior always go together.
Guard your integrity with the model of ministry you pursue. God calls you to be shepherds of His sheep. You are not called to be CEOs or drill sergeants. You are not called to be ranchers or dictators. You are certainly not called to be spiritual superstars or celebrities. A word of caution is in order. The greater your natural gifts and abilities, the more susceptible you are to entrapment by these seducing sirens of the world. Men, and women, with charismatic personalities and a commanding presence may be deceived into believing their own press and the accolades showered on them. If they are not careful, they can begin to believe they have the right to operate by a different standard.
Do not lose sight of how you serve: It is with integrity as you imitate Christ (1 Cor. 11:1) in every sphere of your life.
Editor’s Note: This article’s lessons on guarding one’s personal integrity are also applicable to Christian leaders in the workplace and in home.