So we are no longer to be children, tossed back and forth by waves and carried about by every wind of teaching by the trickery of people who craftily carry out their deceitful schemes. But practicing the truth in love, we will in all things grow up into Christ, who is the head. From him the whole body grows, fitted and held together through every supporting ligament. As each one does its part, the body grows in love. (Ephesians 4:14-16, NET)
In an effort to fulfill the mission of Jesus Christ, I see two common mistakes.
The first mistake reduces the Gospel to its most basic intellectual assertions. Countless times, I have heard people teach from the above passage in Ephesians. Many times it has been with the sole emphasis of passing on right theology to protect the church from bad people. This is a dangerous approach.
The second flawed approach is expressed in this quote most often attributed to St. Francis of Assisi, “preach the Gospel and if necessary use words.” Once again we are confronted with only half the truth. The Gospel does require words to go along with our actions. Just like the first example, this too is an equally dangerous approach.
The integrous leader knows that being rooted in the Gospel is more than a commitment to indoctrinate people with propositional truth. It is more than a commitment to programs of discipleship. It is more than asking people to attend the weekly sermon. It is more than doing good deeds or seeking social justice. The integrous leader who is rooted in the Gospel…
- … knows the doctrine* of God, inspired by the Spirit and given through the Apostles, and makes sure these truths are faithfully passed on to the next generation of disciples. These truths of our faith are crucial to preserving people from deceiving and/or self-deluded teachers.
- …lives out his or her doctrine so that others can see the Gospel of Jesus demonstrated in love. A corollary to this is that a leader of integrity knows that if he embraces a system of doctrines that are not demonstrable and loving, they are not a part of the Gospel and must be abandoned.
- …established Christ as the only head. A leader who builds his own authority and establishes his own following is not a practicing the Gospel.
- …ensures that every member of the church is given the opportunity to grow together. Every person is given the opportunity to reach their Spirit-given potential because this is the only way that the Body will fulfill the Gospel of Jesus Christ.
Go back to the DNA of Integrity
* I need to point out that by linking to my own articles on theology, I am in no way meaning to imply I have all the answers or 100% right doctrine. The only sure source of doctrine is the Scripture itself. I do hope that my writings offer a solid reflection of Scripture and will help each person begin the journey of exploration into God’s spoken Word.
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J.R.,
Excellent article! (Even though I didn’t know what ‘integrous’ meant at first.) Thanks for the balance between words and actions. In fact, I’ve noticed recently that when the authors of Scripture speak of “doctrine” (teaching), they usually include aspects of both words and actions.
-Alan
Joe,
I appreciate your comments. It pretty much afirms for me, that most leaders in the church lack integrity.
I believe that your list of traits highlighting a leader of integrity are correct. But I personally don’t know of many who are able exhibit them.
I don’t expect perfection from the Christian leaders that I meet. However, I do expect honesty and for them to be real. Most that I have met and know in the institutional church filter everything through their undealt with issues and their big egos.
I know many who say they are committed to loving others and helping christians to fullfil their destinies in Christ. But, The truth that i’ve found is that they are only committed to these things and the people of God, when it fits into their agendas.
The politics are incredible in todays churches. It’s really not much different today than it was 2,000 years ago when Jesus was living down here on earth.
Blessings,
Gary
Alan,
I try to work word and deed it into everything I talk about, but it takes a lot of work.
Gary,
I know guys who are doing a good job. We are all learning and growing into the image of Jesus Christ… none has made it yet. Keep hope alive and keep encouraging our brothers and sisters to greater life in Christ.