Leaders who compromise their integrity are doomed to failure! If you need proof of that, consider the recent revelations regarding Ravi Zacharias (Ravi Zacharias International Ministries) and, even more recently, the scandal surrounding Brian Houston (Hillsong Church).
Both men were forced to resign as leaders of organizations they represented when news of their compromised integrity was made public.
When significant leaders in the Christian world fall like this, is it any wonder that most non-Christians say they do not trust pastors and have no faith in their ability to lead in spiritual or relational matters?
Like many others before them (and many more to come), their fall did not happen suddenly. It happened slowly, almost imperceptibly, as they compromised their integrity one small matter at a time.
If you want a Biblical example of a leader who compromised their integrity, you need to look no further than King David. One year, rather than lead his army into battle, David stayed behind in the comfort of his palace. One day he saw Bathsheba bathing naked on her roof. Instead of turning away, he watched her, lusted for her, called her to himself, and slept with her. He even arranged to have her husband killed so he could have her for himself!
One small compromise led to another, and another, and the impact of his compromise affected his family and the people he was supposed to be serving.
It was no different with Zacharias or Houston. One small compromise led to another larger compromise until their lack of integrity eventually became public. Their reputation was tarnished beyond repair, and they lost their ministry. Worst of all, their actions reflect on every other Christian and serve as poor examples to non-Christians. Who would be interested in Christianity or want to become a Christian if our leadership is like this?
Please make no mistake; every one of us is susceptible to the temptation to compromise our integrity. For some, it might be drugs or alcohol. Or, it might be sexual temptations. Others may be tempted to lie or cheat in their business dealings. Whatever it is, we all face the temptation to compromise our integrity somehow.
Knowing that temptation is crouching at our door, what are we to do? How do we protect ourselves from the inevitable temptation?
4 Steps to Life Without Compromise
The temptation to compromise our integrity is ever-present. How, then, can we live a life of integrity and avoid the compromise that destroys us?
Examining the scripture, I see four steps that would have saved Zacharias, Houston, and David and will enable us all to live a life without compromising our integrity.
1) Flee
The first step is simply to flee the temptation. Had David simply covered his eyes and gone back inside his palace, he never would have gone on to lust after Bathsheba, sleep with her, and kill her husband.
Paul gave Timothy, his young protegee, this advice in each of the two letters he wrote him.
“But as for you, O man of God, flee these things. Pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, steadfastness, gentleness” (1 Timothy 6:11).
“So flee youthful passions and pursue righteousness, faith, love, and peace, along with those who call on the Lord from a pure heart” (2 Timothy 2:22).
Living in a fallen world means we can’t avoid temptation, but we can decide how we will respond. The first thing we need to do is flee when temptation raises its ugly head!
2) Resist
The second thing we need to do is lean on the power of the Holy Spirit to help us resist temptation. Paul tells the Corinthians that because, “we have the mind of Christ” (1 Corinthians 2:16), we should be willing and able to resist temptation.
James, the half-brother of Jesus, also said that we need to resist the devil and his temptation. He said that temptation from the devil would leave us when we do so.
“Resist the devil, and he will flee from you” (James 4:7).
When amid temptation, we need to say to ourselves, “No, Satan! I will not give in to this temptation!”
3) Discern
Third and particularly important in our four-step plan to avoid temptation and live without compromise is to be discerning. The devil is a crafty tempter. He will make the temptation look ever so innocent and appealing to you.
That is precisely why Paul warns that we need to test everything to see if it is good and to avoid (run from) every evil.
“but test everything; hold fast what is good. Abstain from every form of evil” (1 Thessalonians 5:21-22).
The apostle John made a similar point when he warned us not to believe everything we hear but to test everything to see if it is from God.
“Dear friends, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see whether they are from God, because many false prophets have gone out into the world” (1 John 4:1).
When temptation arises, we need to pause and think about what is happening. Is this a good or evil thing that I am about to do? Ask yourself, “will this action bring me closer to God or separate me from Him?”
4) Separate
Finally, the fourth step to avoid succumbing to temptation is to separate ourselves from places and situations where we will be tempted in the first place. If you’re dealing with the temptation to gamble, don’t go to a casino. If you’re an alcoholic, don’t go to a bar. If you are tempted by a pretty lady or handsome man, don’t put yourself in situations where you will be alone with them!
The key is to separate ourselves from the evil temptations of the world and focus on the good things of God. Due to its importance, Paul gave this instruction in his letters to both the Romans and the Philippians.
Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God—this is your true and proper worship. Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind (Romans 12:1-2).
Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things (Philippians 4:8).
Every Temptation Comes with an Escape
Your reputation for integrity is precious, and your reputation as a Christian is the only example of Christ many non-Christians will ever see. So, when confronted with the inevitable temptation to compromise your integrity, remember to flee, resist, discern, and separate!
Finally, remember that no temptation confronting you is new. Satan has been playing the same old tricks since the Garden of Eden. And, God has promised that with every temptation, He will provide a way of escape if we rely on Him and His power!
“No temptation has overtaken you that is not common to man. God is faithful, and he will not let you be tempted beyond your ability, but with the temptation, he will also provide the way of escape, that you may be able to endure it” (1 Corinthians 10:13).
Discussion Questions
These questions can serve as a valuable framework for a thoughtful and engaging discussion about the article and how its insights and perspectives apply to our lives today.
- In what ways can compromised integrity in Christian leaders impact the perception of Christianity as a whole?
- How can Christian leaders navigate the temptation to compromise their integrity in today’s society?
- What role does the Holy Spirit play in helping Christian leaders resist and overcome temptation?
- How can discernment help Christian leaders identify and avoid compromising situations or behaviors?
- What practical steps can Christian leaders take to separate themselves from environments or influences that may lead to compromising their integrity?
More Articles
I have written other articles on a leader’s integrity. You can find them by typing “Integrity” in the search bar. Meanwhile, here are several of them.
- #481: You Have Two Options When You’re Trapped Working in The Belly of The Beast!
- #400: Every Effective, Productive Christian Has These Eight Traits
- #261: Can You Separate Private Integrity from Public Actions?
- #184: How Do I Trust Thee? Let Me Count the Ways!
- #172: Situational Ethics and the Art of Dishonesty, Cheating, and Lying
Join the Conversation
As always, questions and comments are welcome. What sort of temptations have you had to deal with as a leader in your organization? What temptation did someone succumb to, and what impact did it have on the organization?
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Category: Personal Development | Integrity
The people we associate with play a big part. We’ve all heard that we’re the average of the five people we spend the most time with. People with substance abuse issues need to steer clear of their partying friends. Gamblers should avoid hitting the casino with their wheeling-dealing pals. Similarly, associating with people of faith helps support one’s own faith. The influence of others, positive or negative, must be examined if we are to chart a successful path in life.
When I first heard the “you are the average of the five people” line, I was skeptical, but after reflecting on my relationships and those of others, I see a lot of truth in the claim. For years I have been careful to surround myself with folks who have similar values and limit exposure to those who would seek to divert me from my core beliefs.
I think temptation is one of the most difficult things to deal with in this life. I am looking forward to heaven for a lot of reasons and no more temptation is one of them.
You’re right, Steve; temptations are ever-present this side of heaven. The closer we try to get in our relationship with God, the more significant the temptations become!