This module offers a chance to help you
work through how you can maintain integrity when confronted with a difficult decision. You
should allow at least an hour to work through this - although it could take much longer -
it's up to you!! You may want to print out our "easy printing version" to do this from.
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First take a moment to think
what integrity means. Below are ten words you might use in an integrity definition.
Select the three words you find most helpful to define integrity. |
All ten of these words describe in part the
character of someone who has integrity, and so there is no right answer! The latin
root of the word integrity is similar to that for integer, meaning whole number. The
concept of wholeness, or consistency is clearly relevant. For now, we shall take
"behaviour and decisions which are consistently in line with our principles" as
our working definition of acting with integrity. The dictionary would also suggest that
these principles should generally be accepted as ethical and honest. For Christian
leaders, that integrity would require consistency with biblical principles.
| One of the important
elements of integrity is consistency - if we are unpredictable, if our decisions are
dependent upon the day of the week, and the way we are feeling, others are unlikely to see
us as maintaining integrity. |
Men of Integrity :
Daniel
Read through Daniel Chap 1 to Chap 3. We see Daniel and his friends staying with their
principles, despite pressure to the contrary - a theme which occurs throughout the book of
Daniel. |
Phase One - Setting Down Principles.
When confronted with a challenging situation,
the first step is to determine what our principles are. This may not be as easy as it
sounds, particularly when faced with a difficult decision!! To work through this study,
you will need to use as an example which you are either faced with currently (preferably)
or have experienced recently.
What are your principles that apply to this
situation?? Write them down. This is very important - whilst we may think that we know
what our principles are - setting it down on paper is a real test of whether that clarity
is genuine!! Don't be surprised if you find it difficult - most people need some quality
thinking time to get really clear on their principles. Christian leaders also may expect
that it is easy to write down Christian principles, but too often we can fall into a
combination of Christian or management jargon!
| The chances are you may
need to expand on what you have written. For example, you may have written
"love", or even "love for every individual concerned". But perhaps it
needs to go deeper to clarify what maintaining love for each individual means. These
principles must include all the relevant principles you are applying, not just those that
you think are "Christian". For example, in a work situation, you may well have
"building long term shareholder value" as a principle. If key ones are missing
from your list, you may not feel comfortable with a decision. |
Men of Integrity : Peter & John
Acts 3 and 4 tell of Peter and John acting in accordance with their principles by healing
the crippled beggar. They needed to justify their actions to the Sanhedrin, and needed to
be fully aware of what their principles were. |
Phase Two - Developing Solutions
Now list your possible solutions. There may be a solution which meets all of the
principles. It may even be a good one!! However, the chances are that there is no easy
solution that comfortably fits all the principles. Otherwise you would probably not have
selected it as an example of a difficult decision. More often we are faced with four or
five possibilities, each with their advantages and drawbacks.
Phase Three - Exploration of
Alternatives.
The next phase is to work through each principle in turn, understanding it in depth. For
Christian Leaders, this is where the Bible Study comes in. Take some time to think of the
biblical examples, models and passages that have led you to adopt this principle. List
them, and explore how they may be relevant to your situation. The first time you do this
will take time, but as you become used to the approach it will speed up!
You may struggle to think of relevant
biblical models or passages for some of your principles. This does not mean that your
principle is wrong. What it does suggest, however, is being clear why you hold it as a
principle!! There is an example below of a principle and it's biblical foundation.
Although this is an illustration, it may give you some thoughts on how to approach this.
Example of Phase Three - Biblical
Exploration.
This seeks to illustrate the process of
exploring the biblical basis for a principle. This example does not provide an exhaustive
biblical exposition of delegation - and it is unlikely that you will have time to fully
explore all of your principles. Rather, it takes the 80/20 approach, noting the first four
examples that come to mind, along with some key points.
| PRINCIPLE : "Invest
time to share responsibility with others so that they can grow." BIBLICAL MODELS :
Moses : Jethro gives Moses some advice on his role, and on appointing others to share the
work and responsibility. (Ex 18:17-23) Moses needed telling!!
Nehemiah shares
out the work involved with rebuilding the walls of Jerusalem - but is prepared to be
honest and open with the people when they have sinned. Demonstrates trust in others, but
is prepared to speak the truth in love so that they can grow in faith. Maintained contact
- going round the walls.
Jesus
sends out the twelve disciples, and later the seventy two in order that they may gain
experience of witnessing and working on their own. (Luke 9,10) Jesus rejoices when they
return seeing the spreading of ministry (Luke 10:21) Time after time teaches the disciples
so that they are equipped.
Paul
is delighted when the young churches are growing in faith (2 Thessalonians 1:3,4)
Alternative attitude could have been to become threatened by the growth in others.
IMPLICATIONS OF PRINCIPLE
I will accept the risk that tasks may not get
done as well as I would have done them in order to allow colleagues the room to grow. This
is likely to have longer term benefits, and risks a short term opportunity cost. However,
staying close to them in a coaching role should increase their growth, and minimise the
risk.
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Phase Four - Praying into Action.
As you work through each principle, you may become aware of indicated action that the
principle points towards. For instance, the principle of "love for each
individual" may point you towards explaining your decision one on one with each
person affected by it.
FINAL THOUGHTS
Finally, having worked through all your principles, then spend some time in prayer.
This is a major help for Christian leaders to maintain integrity. God is interested in all
of our problems - He's told us so!! This does not guarantee that the decision we take will
be the right one! But, finally, we need to take the decision, and act accordingly.
Explaining the principles behind our decision can sometimes help others accept the
solution we have come to, and can support their view of our integrity - they may not agree
with the decision, but can appreciate why you have made it. |
Men of Integrity : Job
Job is not an easy book to read. It is not one to make the reader cheerful! However, it
does clearly illustrate the need to focus on God, and on His character rather than our own
experience.
Consistency in the face of difficult circumstances can only come with God's help. The book
of Job also teaches us patience! |
| Pause for Thought
: Consider your leadership : would you consider yourself to be exercising
situation based leadership or principle based leadership? (Are your decisions based on
what is expedient for the current situation, or to what degree are they based on
principles.) Spend some time in prayer asking God to show you where your integrity
may risk being compromised. |
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