Integrity is the idea of being honest combined with strong moral principles. Being a person of integrity is a worthy pursuit, and is inspiring to others. Moral values have weakened over time. It remains a challenge for men and women to be practitioners of honesty. 52% think it is “absolutely essential” and 44% say its “very important” for political leaders to be honest. This pew research number is less than 100% (even with a margin of 2.3 % for error).
Honesty in politics (and journalism) is not like it used to be. A reliable indication of inspiring integrity is to observe how it is practiced. One of my favorite stories of integrity comes from the Old Testament, in incidents between King Saul and David.
Inspiring leadership draws people
When things get sketchy, leaders of integrity develop a loyal, natural following. In the early days when Saul was turning against David, David had to run. Saul’s power struggle brought uncertainty among his people. During these days, people in distress sought David out. 1 Samuel 22 says David left Gath and escaped to the cave of Adullam. When his brothers and his father’s household heard about it, they went down to him there. 2 All those who were in distress or in debt or discontented gathered around him, and he became their commander. About four hundred men were with him.
People followed David because they believed in him. His behavior was consistent and he honored God. It becomes my first observation on inspiration – honest leaders draw people. Integrity is the result of consistency in behavior and practical abilities that are witnessed by people. Why would we follow people that are dishonest or who act in a self serving manner? It does not help people around them. Honest leadership assures that when results come, the outcome will be consistent and helpful for the people who follow.
an appeal for vindication
I Samuel 1:3ff – 3 He came to the sheep pens along the way; a cave was there, and Saul went in to relieve himself. David and his men were far back in the cave.
In the middle of the pursuit, when Saul was at his most vulnerable (figuratively, ‘with his pants down”), David did not take advantage of the situation. Instead he rebuked his men for suggesting that he harm the king. He was so conscious-stricken, that he exited the cave after Saul, and presented himself:
8 Then David went out of the cave and called out to Saul, “My lord the king!” When Saul looked behind him, David bowed down and prostrated himself with his face to the ground.
After expressing his contriteness, he said something that is sometimes overlooked: 14 “Against whom has the king of Israel come out? Who are you pursuing? A dead dog? A flea? 15 May the Lord be our judge and decide between us. May he consider my cause and uphold it; may he vindicate me by delivering me from your hand.”
David expressed humility (- he was unworthy of pursuit) and appealed to God for vindication. David did not appeal to Saul for mercy. He appealed to God. This is quite inspiring — he did not appeal based on his integrity or honesty. He appealed based on God’s vindication.
On many occasions, I can think of my own appeals where I have said “I am a man of integrity”. Even David did not say that. For me to say ‘I am a person of integrity’ is a matter of pride. In David’s appeal to God for vindication, we discover the moment is not about David’s integrity, (impressive as it is). The moment is about letting God be the arbiter of the circumstance we are in.
In summary, I gleaned two points of inspiring integrity from this story. 1) Consistent and honest behavior draws people and 2) our concern for integrity pales when we realize that we should be most concerned for God’s integrity. God is not going to change, and we cannot bring about His change. What we can do is make sure that God is always the focus of our message, and we do not allow his name to be tarnished by ignorant people. His ways are always good and true.
