Understanding Ministerial Integrity

Understanding Ministerial Integrity

Introduction

“And the LORD said unto satan, Hast thou considered my servant Job, that there is none like him in the earth, a perfect and an upright man, one that feareth God, and escheweth evil? and still he holdeth fast his integrity, although thou movedst me against him, to destroy him without cause”. (Job 2:3)

The just man walketh in his integrity: his children are blessed after him. (Proverbs 20:7)

Let integrity and uprightness preserve me; for I wait on thee. (Psalm 25:21)

Integrity which is interpreted as strength and firmness of character is also described as utter sincerity and honesty. It is a state of being undivided, whole, entire and complete. Integrity makes men upright. Men, who are conscious of their walk with God, fear Him and avoid evil. The foundation that bears any ministry is laid properly on ministerial integrity. It is not possible to establish right-standing without integrity. God depends on the integrity of chosen men to protect and preserve their lives and ministries. It is the foundation properly laid in integrity that determines the life-span and distinctive impact a ministry can have.

Because of the integrity of God, He swears from the sincerity of His heart. Oaths and covenants are authenticated and established from the sincerity of the heart; this is why it is impossible for God to speak lies. Those who are insincere and dishonest can’t live right, making it an impossible task for them to run a successful ministry. Insincerity blinds the eyes of men’s mind. God establishes lasting ministerial breakthroughs on the ground of integrity. Since a man with a questionable character can’t deputize for God, we must learn to build the future of our ministry in our character. However, character is built from the revelation that guides men’s life. God will always wait to know the intrinsic character of men before He can entrust into their hands that which is of importance to Him. Character is omnipotent in determining how far a ministry can go. After we have known who we are, we must allow the revelation that bears our future and destiny to transform us. Since our character is the bedrock upon which ministerial foundation is laid, it is impossible for ministerial destiny to be estimated without proper evaluation of our character.

The way men live is controlled by what they see. It is what men see that helps them to form a firm character. As men fellowship at the altar of revelation, they take the image of what they see. Character building is cumbersome and painstaking but it is an unavoidable perquisite for successful ministry. God can’t trust men until they are built. It is the character of properly built men that makes them example of believers. God must depend on what we make from ourselves to define our place in Him. Sometimes, what men think they can become might be different from what they are becoming. If character is built from what we see, we must be strong to look steadily at the mirror of destiny as we build character that will enable us fulfill our individual ministry.

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