When giving his retirement speech, the prophet Samuel asked the people if he had ever oppressed, cheated, stolen from, or even subtly taken a bribe from any one.
"If I have done any of these things," he declared, " then I will make it right."
"You have not taken anything from anyone's hand" (see 1 Sam. 12:1-4), the people answered.
How rarely this example seems reflected in those around us. Even Christians sometimes say one thing, but live something else. The biblical virtue of integrity points to a consistency between what is inside and what is out side, between belief and behavior, words and ways, attitudes and actions, values and practice. "We must have moral backbone, an integrity that can not be flattered, bribed, or terrified."1
A few years ago a survey showed that the characteristics most desired in a leader are honesty and integrity.2 As Christians we are fortunate to know that God Himself is our Guide when it comes to true integrity, because His character never changes. We cannot manipulate, bribe, or bargain with God because He will never compromise His perfect righteousness. External circumstances or conditions do not govern His love and goodness. His promises are worthy of our trust and commitment. We can count on God to do what He says He will do. "He who is the Glory of Israel does not lie or change his mind; for he is not a man, that he should change his mind." (1 Sam. 15:29).
It is this true integrity, modeled by God, that forms the basis of confidence and is the secret of unity. Unity requires integrity because true harmony does not depend on total agreement over opinions, but rather on honesty, integrity, and sincerity.3 Certainly there will be different notions among genuine Christians (even sincere Christians are, at their core, human beings, nothing more). Peter and Paul, as well as Paul and Barnabas, had strong differences of opinion, but their differences did not damage their unity. Unity does not require an absence of individuality. What it does require is trust and respect.
While the Old Testament presents Samuel's evident virtue as an example of Christian character, the New Testament fills out the meaning even more. Integrity does not imply perfection. When we are connected with Christ, He gives us the mantle of His perfection; we tune in to Him and radiate integrity. Paul resonates this kind of integrity in his instructions to Timothy. He tells Timothy to be diligent in following God's teachings. "Give yourself wholly to them [the ones to whom you minister]."
Many modern examples exist. A private in the armed services on furlough wanted an extension. Unlike other individuals who would filibuster and exaggerate to receive what they want, this man wired his commander and said, "No death. No emergency.
Request extension of furlough. I'm having a wonderful time." The commander was confounded, having never seen a request like this before, one without alibi or excuse. The soldier simply told the truth: he was enjoying his furlough, he was having a good time, and want ed an extension. The commander wired back. "Rewarded for honesty. Extension of five days on present furlough granted."4
Samuel, who led Israel from the era of the judges through the beginning of the period of the kings, provides this challenge of personal integrity before every leader. Leadership for Samuel was a stewardship, a responsibility, an honor. He did not demonstrate integrity because it was his intention to demonstrate integrity; he was not hon est because his intention was to be known as honest. Samuel was not living to build a reputation. He was thinking about honoring God and serving God's people. Thus, the evidence of his high er calling was undeniable to those about him.5
Samuel's personal integrity permeated every area of his life. His commitment to God guided the way he regarded his possessions, his business dealings, and his treatment of those weaker than he was. Samuel held him self accountable to the people whom he led; therefore, he was able to unabashedly open himself up to the scrutiny of everyone with whom he had ever had dealings.
Ralph Waldo Emerson once said, "Nothing is at last sacred except the integrity of your own mind." People in the secular world yearn for the security of having people around them who can be trusted. How much more powerful is the potential of such demonstrations of integrity among Christians? Applying this profound concept within the context of the spirit of God, one of His servants has made this observation: "Let it be written upon the conscience as with a pen of iron upon the rock, that real success, whether for this life or for the life to come, can be secured only by faithful adherence to the eternal principles of right."6
No matter our particular leadership responsibility, let us challenge ourselves to hold to the spirit of the standard of Samuel's integrity. Let our personal commitment to a life of integrity in Christ be evident to those around us every day.
1 Ellen G. White, Testimonies for the Church, vol. 5 (Nampa, Idaho: Pacific Press® Pub. Assn., 1889), 297.
2 James M. Kouzes and Barry Z. Posner, Credibility: How Leaders Gain and Lose It, Why People Demand It (San Francisco: Jossey-Bass, 1993), 14.
3 Taylor G. Bunch, "Integrity," In The Ministry, July 1959, 23. 4 R. R. Bietz, "A Lite ot Integrity," in The Ministry, June 1968, 48.
5 Commentary on Samuel, The Leadership Bible (Grand Rapids, Mich.- Zondervan, 1998), 319.
6 Ellen G. White, Testimonies for the Church, vol. 7 (Nampa, Idaho: Pacific Press® Pub. Assn., 1902), 164.
