CONCERT OF PRAYER

Pray Week 778

“Leadership Integrity”

1Chronicles 21:1-19 (ESV) Then Satan stood against Israel and incited David to number Israel. So David said to Joab and the commanders of the army, “Go, number Israel, from Beersheba to Dan, and bring me a report, that I may know their number.” But Joab said… Why then should my lord require this? Why should it be a cause of guilt for Israel?” But the king’s word prevailed against Joab … But God was displeased with this thing, and he struck Israel. And David said to God, “I have sinned greatly in that I have done this thing. But now, please take away the iniquity of your servant, for I have acted very foolishly.”

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Del Suggs, Leadership Development Speaker and Author, defines a leader as one who inspires others to know, to do, or to be.  He further defines leadership as the process by which a person influences others, facilitates action, and guides change.  When there is a lack of leadership presence or a failure in leadership integrity people become easy prey for negative influences with disastrous consequences.

This was Satan’s intent when he incited David to succumb to the sin of pridefulness which resulted in the death of seventy thousand people of the nation of Israel.  The enemy uses similar tactics today to take down leaders from all walks of life: elected government officials, military leaders, Pastors, CEO’s, managers, and even heads of households.

One does not have to look far to see the resulting chaos that stems from the failure of integrity in leadership in our society today.  Look at the poverty, suffering and death that have resulted from corruption in governmental leadership ranks.  Look at how the lust of this world, its greed and pride, causes churches to split, companies to fail, and our  youth to lose their innocence.  Look at the rise in crime statistics with root causes stemming from broken family units.

Jesus taught lessons in maintaining integrity in leadership.

Avoid self-interest and be selfless, seeking always what is the best for others. …let the greatest among you become as the youngest, and the leader as one who serves. – Luke 22:25

Be a wise steward of all your resources.  Develop the people you lead and view them as appreciating assets, not as expendable commodities.  And the Lord said, “Who then is the faithful and wise manager, whom his master will set over his household, to give them their portion of food at the proper time?” – Luke 12:42

The attitude of heart called ‘Servant Leadership’ is contradictory to this fallen world system where the prevailing idea of rank having its privileges reigns. Yet this is the heart attitude that Jesus lived, taught, and proved to be effective.

There is an awesome responsibility that comes with the leadership positions given by God.  What leadership position has God called you to?  Husband? Parent? Pastor? Regardless of the scope of your leadership responsibility, whether a family unit or a government entity, the Lord will hold you accountable for the integrity of that office.

Pray for the spiritual strength to lead with the integrity, wisdom, power, and love of Jesus Christ.