The Essential Quality of a Great Leader
In today's world, leadership is often defined by power, influence, and success. However, from a biblical standpoint, the most essential quality of a great leader is integrity. A leader's character should reflect honesty, righteousness, and unwavering faith in God. Without integrity, leadership crumbles, trust erodes, and the mission suffers.
Proverbs 11:3 (NKJV) states, "The integrity of the upright will guide them, but the perversity of the treacherous will destroy them."
The world needs leaders who are not only capable but also grounded in truth and holiness. A leader with integrity stands firm in their values, even when faced with opposition, uncertainty, or pressure to compromise. As followers of Christ, we are called to lead in a way that glorifies God and reflects His righteousness.
Five Keys to Being an Effective Leader with Integrity
1. Lead by Example
The apostle Paul instructed Timothy, "Let no one look down on your youthfulness, but rather in speech, conduct, love, faith, and purity, show yourself an example of those who believe" (1 Timothy 4:12 NASB).
Leaders with integrity model what they expect from others. Actions speak louder than words, and when leaders exemplify Christ-like behavior, they inspire others to do the same. The way you conduct yourself in both public and private settings influences those around you. A leader must be mindful that their words, decisions, and attitudes shape the spiritual and moral direction of those they lead.
2. Be Honest and Truthful
"Lying lips are an abomination to the Lord, but those who deal faithfully are His delight." (Proverbs 12:22 NASB)
A leader with integrity speaks truthfully and does not deceive. Honesty fosters trust, credibility, and a strong moral foundation in leadership. In a world where deception is often normalized, a godly leader must remain steadfast in the truth. Whether addressing difficult issues, admitting mistakes, or standing up for righteousness, honesty is the key to lasting credibility. A leader's word should be dependable, reflecting the integrity of a heart surrendered to God. (Photo via Picpedia)
3. Make Decisions with Righteousness
Leaders must seek God's wisdom and act justly. "He has told you, mortal one, what is good; and what does the Lord require of you but to do justice, to love kindness, and to walk humbly with your God?" (Micah 6:8 NASB).
Making ethical choices, even when difficult, sets apart godly leaders from worldly ones. Every leader will face moments where doing what is right is unpopular or costly. However, integrity calls for an unwavering commitment to righteousness. Rather than being swayed by public opinion or personal gain, a leader must uphold justice, even when standing alone. A heart aligned to God's guidance will always choose what is just and merciful.
4. Serve Others with Humility
Jesus, the ultimate example of leadership, said, "For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life as a ransom for many" (Mark 10:45 NASB).
True leaders prioritize others above themselves. Servant leadership, rooted in humility and selflessness, builds lasting influence. Leadership is not about domination or personal glory; it is about serving others with a heart of love and compassion. Jesus washed His disciples' feet to demonstrate that the greatest leaders are those who put others before themselves. When a leader seeks to serve rather than be served, they create a culture of trust, unity, and purpose.
5. Stay Faithful to God's Commands
God instructed Joshua, "Only be strong and very courageous; be careful to do according to all the Law which Moses My servant commanded you; do not turn from it to the right or to the left, so that you may achieve success wherever you go. This Book of the Law shall not depart from your mouth, but you shall meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do according to all that is written in it; for then you will make your way prosperous, and then you will achieve success" (Joshua 1:7–8 NASB).
Integrity in leadership is grounded in obedience to God's Word. A leader who follows God's principles will navigate challenges with wisdom and grace. Staying rooted in God's Word provides the strength and direction needed for leadership. Temptations and trials will come, but a leader's commitment to God's truth will enable them to remain steadfast. Meditating on Scripture, seeking God in prayer, and surrounding oneself with wise counsel are all essential in maintaining integrity as a leader.
The Consequences of Leadership Without Integrity
Just as integrity builds and strengthens leadership, a lack of integrity leads to devastating consequences. The Bible provides sobering examples of leaders who failed to uphold integrity and suffered for it. (Photo via Unsplash)
King Saul: Saul was chosen by God to be the first king of Israel, but his lack of integrity cost him the throne. Instead of fully obeying God's command to destroy the Amalekites, he spared King Agag and kept the best livestock under the guise of making sacrifices. His disobedience revealed a heart more concerned with appearances than with righteousness.
As a result, God rejected him as king, stating, "Samuel said, 'Does the Lord have as much delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices as in obeying the voice of the Lord? Behold, to obey is better than a sacrifice, and to pay attention is better than the fat of rams. For rebellion is as reprehensible as the sin of divination, and insubordination is as reprehensible as false religion and idolatry. Since you have rejected the word of the Lord, He has also rejected you from being king'" (1 Samuel 15:22–23 NASB).
Judas Iscariot: As one of Jesus' twelve disciples, Judas had the privilege of walking with the Son of God. However, his greed and deceit led him to betray Jesus for thirty pieces of silver. His lack of integrity not only caused him to lose his place among the disciples but ultimately led to his tragic end. His story is a reminder that prioritizing personal gain over godly character results in destruction (Matthew 26:14–16, 27:3–5).
Ananias and Sapphira: This couple sought to appear generous before the early church by selling land and claiming to give all the proceeds while secretly keeping a portion for themselves. Their deceit was exposed, and both fell dead as a result of their dishonesty. Their story illustrates how a lack of integrity can lead to devastating and immediate consequences (Acts 5:1–11).
A leader who lacks integrity may enjoy temporary success, but eventually deception, dishonesty, and selfish ambition will lead to downfall.
When leaders compromise their values, they lose trust, credibility, and, ultimately, their influence.
Final Thoughts: The Bedrock of Godly Leadership
Integrity is not just a virtue; it is the bedrock of godly leadership. A leader who walks in integrity reflects Christ and earns the trust of those they lead. As Proverbs 20:7 (NASB) states, "A righteous person who walks in his integrity—how blessed are his sons after him."
Leadership is a calling, and with that calling comes great responsibility. Godly leaders must continually seek His guidance, stand firm in truth, and model righteousness. No leader is perfect, but through humility and dependence on the Lord, we can grow in integrity and inspire others to do the same.
May we all strive to be leaders who honor God, uphold righteousness, and lead with unwavering integrity. You have been called to lead, and through Christ you have the strength and wisdom to do so faithfully.
Be encouraged, remain steadfast, and lead with the integrity of Christ!
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Ryan Johnson
Ryan Johnson Ministries
Email:Â info@ryanjohnson.us
Website:Â www.ryanjohnson.usÂ
Ryan Johnson is dedicated in helping equip the Body of Christ to awaken the nations with a prophetic call of a rising Ekklesia. He is a son of God, husband, and father of four. Ryan has devoted his life to the righteousness of Christ, with the demonstration of the Father's Heart in regions, individuals, and the Church across the world. Ryan is the author of Illegitimacy: The Battle Over Your Identity, How to Contend for Your Miracle, and Racism: The Church and The Nation. He has had many articles released through Charisma Magazine, Charisma News, The Elijah List, and Spirit Fuel. He has also appeared as a guest on The Shaun Tabatt Show, Elijah Streams, Engaging the Supernatural, and Sid Roth's It's Supernatural. Ryan is the host of The Blacksmith Chronicles Podcast, an Instructor at Summit School of Revival, and travels throughout the United States and the Nations as a full-time itinerant minister.
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