Leading with Character and Competence

In Psalm 101:1-2 I read, “I will sing of your love and justice, LORD. I will praise you with songs. I will be careful to live a blameless life.” (NLT)

Integrity is a requirement for leadership, because all leadership is based on trust, and all trust is built on truth.

Israel’s King David was one of the greatest leaders in history. The Bible says about him: “And David shepherded them with integrity of heart; with skillful hands he led them” (Psalm 78:72 NIV).

David was an effective leader because he possessed two things: character and competence. Both are absolutely essential to leadership. One without the other is disaster! I can be a good person and still be an incompetent leader. On the other hand, if I have really great gifts and skills but bad character, I won’t be an effective leader.

David had both character and competence. He shepherded his people, that means he cared for them. And he led them with skillful hands, that’s competence. David was effective in competence and character because of his commitment to personal integrity.

In fact, he wrote down his commitment in Psalm 101: “I will sing of your love and justice, LORD. I will praise you with songs. I will be careful to live a blameless life—when will you come to help me? I will lead a life of integrity in my own home. I will refuse to look at anything vile and vulgar. I hate all who deal crookedly; I will have nothing to do with them. I will reject perverse ideas and stay away from evil. I will not tolerate people who slander their neighbors. I will not endure conceit and pride. I will search for faithful people to be my companions” (Psalm 101:1-6 NLT).

If I want to live a life of integrity and see God make me a more effective leader, then I need to make Psalm 101 my personal covenant.

When I don’t know where to start in developing a life of integrity, start with worship, like David did. Praise the Lord with songs, aloud or in your heart. Tell him how great he is. Thank him for his character. Worship him for who he is, not just what he has done for me.

Then, look at my home. King David said, “I will lead a life of integrity in my own home” (Psalm 101:2 NLT). This is often where it’s hardest to live with integrity! I must choose love, patience, and kindness with the people in my family.

Make choices every day that honor God, in the big and small ways. That will help me lead a life of integrity.

In summary, sing of God’s love and justice with songs and be careful to live a blameless life. Living with integrity is a requirement for leadership, because leadership is based on trust, and all trust is built on truth. David was an effective leader because he possessed two things: character and competence. David shepherded his people, meaning that he cared for them. He led them with skillful hands, which is competence. David was effective because of his commitment to personal integrity. If I too want to live a life of integrity and want God to make me a more effective leader, then I need to make Psalm 101 my personal covenant. Start in developing a life of integrity with worship, by praising Him with songs. Tell him how great he is to me. Thank him for his character. Worship him for who he is, not just what he has done for me. Then, look at my home life, where it’s hardest to live with integrity. Choose love, patience, and kindness with those in my family. Make choices every day that honor God, in the big and small ways. These will help me lead a life of integrity.

Father, you are great. I thank you for who you are and how you act. You are truly worthy of all praise, affection and devotion. I ask with the help of your Holy Spirit in my, that I make choices that honor you regardless if they are big or small. I also ask for assistance to walk a blameless path. I can lead a blameless life if I avoid (1) looking at wickedness, anything vile or vulgar, (2) evil thoughts or associates, (3) slander and (4) pride. While avoiding these wrongs, I must also let God's Word show me the standards by which to live. To live with integrity, both my efforts need to be coupled with yours. Father I also ask for wisdom and guidance for my day, my work, my leadership, my interactions with others, my future job role and leading the small group. These things I ask for in your Son Jesus’ name, Amen.