Integrity as a Leader in Government
Pastors Rodney & Adonica Howard-BrownePublish date: 11/17/2024
Foundation Scriptures:
Provide things honest in the sight of all men. Romans 12:17b KJV
1. Honesty and Transparency.
a. Provide things honest… (Rom. 12:17 KJV).
b. Provide (Greek pronoeō) means to think or plan beforehand, or ahead of time; to consider in advance.
c. Honest (Greek kalos) means honest; good; virtuous; noble; praiseworthy.
d. Romans 12:17b NIV — Be careful to do what is right in the eyes of everybody.
e. Romans 12:17 AMPC — Repay no one evil for evil, but take thought for what is honest and proper and noble [aiming to be above reproach] in the sight of everyone.
f. An elected official should be truthful and transparent.
g. They should make decisions openly and with integrity.
h. Aspiring Greco-Roman politicians considered it a virtue to do what was respectable in the opinions of others.
i. Likewise, the Jewish people in their dealings with Gentiles.
j. The early Church never compromised their own beliefs—but adopted even stricter guidelines for themselves to protect their witness to the surrounding culture and prevent unnecessary opposition.
2. Daniel.
a. The Bible emphasizes honesty as a fundamental virtue, encouraging believers to conduct themselves honorably before others.
b. Daniel was a leader and a man of integrity.
c. Daniel 6:4 AMPC — Then the presidents and satraps sought to find occasion [to bring accusation] against Daniel concerning the kingdom, but they could find no occasion or fault, for he was faithful, nor was there any error or fault found in him.
d. The story of Daniel illustrates honesty and transparency.
e. Even when faced with pressure from corrupt officials, Daniel remained steadfast and transparent in his faith and conduct.
3. Accountability.
a. Romans 14:12 KJV — So then every one of us shall give account of himself to God.
b. Accountability is key for anyone in leadership.
c. They must recognize that they are ultimately answerable to God for their actions.
d. This mindset helps leaders take responsibility seriously, ensuring they act justly.
e. King David was a leader and a man of integrity.
f. David exemplifies accountability when he was confronted by the prophet Nathan after his sin with Bathsheba.
g. 2 Samuel 12:13a KJV — And David said unto Nathan, I have sinned against the Lord.
h. David did not try to hide or excuse his wrongdoing but immediately confessed, saying, “I have sinned against the Lord.”
i. This humility and willingness to take responsibility is a mark of a true leader.
4. Prioritizing Public Good Over Personal Interests.
a. Philippians 2:4 KJV — Look not every man on his own things, but every man also on the things of others.
b. Philippians 2:4 AMPC — Let each of you esteem and look upon and be concerned for not [merely] his own interests, but also each for the interests of others.
c. A leader with integrity seeks the welfare of the people rather than focusing on personal gain.
d. The Bible calls leaders to serve selflessly, putting the needs of others above their own.
e. Nehemiah was a leader and a man of integrity.
f. Nehemiah 5:15 NKJV — But the former governors who were before me laid burdens on the people, and took from them bread and wine, besides forty shekels of silver. Yes, even their servants bore rule over the people, but I did not do so, because of the fear of God.
g. Nehemiah, who led the rebuilding of Jerusalem’s walls, refused to use his position for personal enrichment.
h. He knew he was accountable to God—so he focused on the welfare of the people.
i. Nehemiah’s refusal to exploit his position for personal gain is a model for leaders today.
5. Consistency in Upholding Principles.
a. James 1:8 KJV — A double minded man is unstable in all his ways.
b. Integrity requires consistency.
c. An official must remain true to their principles, even when it is inconvenient or unpopular.
d. The Bible warns against being double-minded, encouraging steadfastness and consistency in righteousness.
e. The apostles, when commanded by authorities to stop preaching in the Name of Jesus, remained unwavering.
f. When the Jews tried to command Peter and John to stop teaching in, or about, the Name of Jesus, they responded, “We ought to obey God rather than men” (Acts 5:29).
g. They chose to uphold their principles rather than bend to external pressures.
6. Listening to and Respecting Others.
a. James 1:19 KJV — Wherefore, my beloved brethren, let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath.
b. James tells us that it is very important to listen before acting, emphasizing the need for patience and understanding.
c. A good leader listens to the concerns of the people and shows respect to all, even those who may disagree.
d. Solomon, when he became king, asked God for an understanding heart to judge the people wisely.
e. He desired to be a leader who could truly listen and discern.
f. 1 Kings 3:9 NKJV — Therefore give to Your servant an understanding heart to judge Your people, that I may discern between good and evil. For who is able to judge this great people of Yours?”
g. This wisdom made Solomon a respected and effective ruler.
h. By grounding their actions using Biblical principles, politicians and leaders can strive to serve with integrity, reflecting godly values in their leadership.