in·teg·ri·ty
noun
- the quality of being honest and having strong moral principles; moral uprightness.
- the state of being whole and undivided.
Integrity has two definitions according to this dictionary entry. Not long ago, I posted an article on this first definition (see part I here).
As I reflect further on leadership and integrity, the second definition strikes me as vital in our increasingly polarized world…
in·teg·ri·ty
the state of being whole and undivided.
This idea of being whole or undivided reminds me of the biblical idea of shalom The word appears about 250 times in the Old Testament, and it serves three primary purposes:
- Around 10% it functions as a form of greeting or farewell, like in the conclusion of Ezra 4:17.
- 25% of the time, it describes a condition or connection characterized by tranquility, lacking conflict or strain. For example 1 Samuel 7:14.
- The remaining nearly 65% of the time it centers on the idea of wholeness, growth, and particularly, comprehensive well-being across economic, relational, and physical situations. A clear illustration of this is found in Jeremiah 29:7, where it urges: "And seek the peace and prosperity (shalom) of the city I have sent you to. Pray to the LORD for it, because your well-being (shalom) is tied to its well-being (shalom)."
This weekend, in church, we had a message that highlighted the Fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5). What struck me in reflecting on integrity was a portion of the sins listed in Gal 5:20:
enmity, strife, jealousy, fits of anger, rivalries, dissensions, divisions
Wow! We so often focus on the evils surrounding this set but boy our world really struggles in these areas. And, the Christ following world has a lot of room to grow in this arena.
Recently I watched a U.S. presidential debate and the candidates who stood out to me as I was reflecting on integrity were the ones who showed the most temperance, steadiness, and stable demeanor. They rose above the fray in my estimation and avoided the childlike taunting of one another.
This is the kind of leadership behavior Jesus looks for in his followers and especially those who calls to lead: one’s who have integrity of heart and mind, people who embody the biblical vision for shalom.
As I mentioned in part I, as we grow deeper and deeper in Christ, he transforms us to lead in ways that exhibit his shalom for our relationships, our community, our churches and the world. This type of integrity inspires me!
"Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind."
— Romans 12:2
In Christ,
Joseph W. Handley, Jr., Ph.D.
@jwhandley
@jwhandley
More Information
- See Integrity, part 1 here
- Integrity definition courtesy of Oxford Languages
