Leading with Integrity

2002046

Topic # 1073

Introduction:

A. 2 Chr. 29 – first introduced to Hezekiah.

1. comes to power after Ahaz. Note Ahaz’s actions – 28:19, 23-25.

2. Hezekiah contrasted – 29:2-4

B. Upon assuming the throne – Hezekiah began major acts of reform.

1. 29:5 – told Levites to consecrate themselves & the house of the Lord.

2. 29:10 – wished to make a covenant of the Lord.

3. 29:20 – restores temple worship.

4. Note what Israel told – 30:6-9b

5. 31:1-2 – idols destroyed

6. 31:20-21 – because of Hezekiah’s influence Israel began to prosper and God was with Him.

7. 32:30 – Hezekiah prospered in all he did.

C. Truly, Hezekiah was a person of influence. Did much good to bring people back to God.

1. Evident as you read these 3 chapters – he possessed tremendous love & respect for God.

2. His heart was right. Oh, he was human – battled pride – (32:24-26) but he made it right w/God.

3. He was a person of influence!

D. Today – while we are not in positions of worldly power & authority – we can be persons of influence just like Hezekiah!

1. In fact, Scriptures demand we have positive influence for Christ!

a) 3 Jhn 11; 1 Tim. 4:12; Titus 2:7-8; Heb. 13:7

2. Remember, each one of us has a sphere of influence.

a) at home w/the family.

b) On the job

c) w/the church – working w/brethren

3. One of the fundamentals of building positive influence for Christ is operating with integrity.

4. Webster: Integrity = “adherence to moral; ethical principles; soundness of moral character; humility.”

5. Integrity is a must for the Christian. Psa. 15; Pro. 3:3-4; 19:1; 20:7; Micah 6:8; Lk. 6:31

E. So today, we’ll talk about the importance of integrity and how to build it. We can become a successful Christian! We can begin NOW building a positive influence for Christ!

1. Influence is the # 1 way to lead people to Christ! It is also the #1 way to turn people away from the Lord!

2. Can play a larger role than we can possibly imagine!

I. Building integrity starts with the small things!

A. Jesus demands we build our lives upon the foundation of respect, dignity, and trust!

1. If this foundation is weak, then we will never live up to the potential we have. All of us have potential!

2. Let Christ take your life & mold it into being His kind of person!

3. Building on respect, dignity, and trust is something that cannot be ignored or hidden!

B. Just how important are doing the little things?

1. Biblical principles ARE NOT flexible!

a) A lie is a lie is a lie! “white or black” See Col. 3:9; Rev. 21:8, 27; 22:15

b) Say what you mean; mean what you say. Let your word be your bond! Jesus – Mt. 5:37

c) Theft is still theft – whether $.01; $1; $ 100; $ 1000; $1,000,000. See Eph. 4:28; 1 Peter 4:15

2. Integrity commits itself to character OVER personal gain!

C. Therefore, the Christian must place character at the very top of his priority list on self improvement!

1. PEOPLE must be placed over THINGS.

2. SERVICE must be placed over POWER.

3. PRINCIPLE must be placed over CONVENIENCE

4. THE LONG VIEW must be placed over the IMMEDIATE

D. Character is made in the small moments of our lives (Philip Brooks)

1. Break a godly principle; it creates a crack in your foundation of integrity!

2. Maxwell: when times get tough – it becomes harder to act w/integrity – not easier! Character isn’t created in crisis, it only comes to light!

3. Everything you have done in the past, and the things you have neglected to do – come to a head when under pressure.

E. This requires constant attention!

1. Don’t do something that you would be ashamed of!

a) are there things in your life you’d be ashamed to tell your spouse; parents; etc?

b) Remember, God knows! He is watching – ALWAYS! 1 Cor. 4:5

II. Integrity starts on the inside.

A. Development of character is an inside job. We must not look to the outside to explain defeiciencies in character.

B. Integrity is not determined by circumstances.

1. Popular thinking: people of poor character are that way b/c they grew up in bad environment.

2. Yes…upbringing & environment affect us – esp. when young.

3. as one becomes older – he b/c responsible for choices made.

4. EACH one responsible for choices made in life – Gal. 6:5; ; Rom. 14:12; 2 Cor. 5:9-11; Ezek. 18:20-24.

5. We must take responsibility for our own lives!

C. Integrity should not be confused with reputation.

1. poem – Maxwell.

2. Who would argue that a good reputation isn’t valuable?

a) Solomon: Pro. 22:1; Eccl. 7:1

b) Reputation exists b/c it = reflection of a person’s character!

3. We need to worry less about what others think – give attention to our inner self!

a) Gal. 1:10 – seek to please God – not men!

b) Col. 3:10, 12-17 – done through a change of heart!

4. Take care of character? Reputation will take care of itself.

5. This may not be the easiest road – but is the road to take if we wish God to be pleased!

III. Integrity is your best friend.

A. Anytime we compromise our integrity – we do ourselves an incredible amount of damage.

1. spend years building it up – only to have much of it destroyed in an instant if not careful.

2. Integrity helps you keep priorities right.

3. it helps us not strike back when attacked unfairly.

4. when being criticized justly, it helps us accept what is said.

B. Perhaps the biggest benefit to possessing integrity is that others can trust you!

1. W/o trust – you have nothing! It is the glue that holds people together!

2. Isa. 33:15-16; Mt. 7:12; 2 Cor. 8:21; Heb. 13:18

3. Trust = rare these days! People mostly suspicious; skeptical.

4. Often have to prove trustworthiness first. Trust comes when you exemplify solid character!

Conclusion:

A. Remember Hezekiah? Remember the influence he had over Israel?

1. Reforms made? Diligent effort to get Israel back on tract w/God?

2. In order to be successful, it had to start w/him. Integrity was a huge part of his success!

3. 2 Kings 18:3, 5-6

B. Dwight Eisenhower: In order to be a leader, a man must have followers. And to have followers, a man must have their confidence. Hence, the supreme quality for a leader is unquestionably integrity. Without it, no real success is possible, no matter whether it is on a section gang, a football field, in the army, or in an office. If a man’s associates find that he lacks forthright integrity, he will fail. His teachings and actions must square with each other. The first great need, therefore, is integrity and high purpose.

C. Christians are leaders! We’re in charge of leading the lost to Christ! In order to do this, we’re going to have to be people of character!

1. w/o it we’re going to be unpleasing to God.

2. involve going back to fundamentals!

D. Would you describe self as a person of character? A Christ-like person?

1. No? Can we help you start the transformation process?

2. Become a Christian today!

E. Already a Christian – but not living up to the standard?

F. I N V I T A T I O N

The circumstances amid which you live determine your reputation …

the truth you believe determines your character.…

Reputation is what you are supposed to be;

character is what you are.…

Reputation is the photograph;

character is the face.…

Reputation comes over one from without;

character grows up from within.…

Reputation is what you have when you come to a new community;

character is what you have when you go away.

Your reputation is made in a moment;

your character is built in a lifetime.…

Your reputation is learned in an hour;

your character does not come to light for a year.…

Reputation grows like a mushroom;

character lasts like eternity.…

Reputation makes you rich or makes you poor;

character makes you happy or makes you miserable.…

Reputation is what men say about you on your tombstone;

character is what the angels say about you before the

throne of God.



Leading with Integrity 2002046 Topic # 1073 Introduction: A. 2 Chr. 29 – first introduced to Hezekiah. 1. comes to power after Ahaz. Note Ahaz’s actions – 28:19, 23-25. 2. Hezekiah contrasted – 29:2-4 B. Upon assuming the throne – Hezekiah began major acts of reform. 1. 29:5 – told Levites to consecrate themselves & the house of the Lord. 2. 29:10 – wished to make a covenant of the Lord. 3. 29:20 – restores temple worship. 4. Note what Israel told – 30:6-9b 5. 31:1-2 – idols destroyed 6. 31:20-21 – because of Hezekiah’s influence Israel began to prosper and God was with Him. 7. 32:30 – Hezekiah prospered in all he did. C. Truly, Hezekiah was a person of influence. Did much good to bring people back to God. 1. Evident as you read these 3 chapters – he possessed tremendous love & respect for God. 2. His heart was right. Oh, he was human – battled pride – (32:24-26) but he made it right w/God. 3. He was a person of influence! D. Today – while we are not in positions of worldly power & authority – we can be persons of influence just like Hezekiah! 1. In fact, Scriptures demand we have positive influence for Christ! a) 3 Jhn 11; 1 Tim. 4:12; Titus 2:7-8; Heb. 13:7 2. Remember, each one of us has a sphere of influence. a) at home w/the family. b) On the job c) w/the church – working w/brethren 3. One of the fundamentals of building positive influence for Christ is operating with integrity. 4. Webster: Integrity = “adherence to moral; ethical principles; soundness of moral character; humility.” 5. Integrity is a must for the Christian. Psa. 15; Pro. 3:3-4; 19:1; 20:7; Micah 6:8; Lk. 6:31 E. So today, we’ll talk about the importance of integrity and how to build it. We can become a successful Christian! We can begin NOW building a positive influence for Christ! 1. Influence is the # 1 way to lead people to Christ! It is also the #1 way to turn people away from the Lord! 2. Can play a larger role than we can possibly imagine! I. Building integrity starts with the small things! A. Jesus demands we build our lives upon the foundation of respect, dignity, and trust! 1. If this foundation is weak, then we will never live up to the potential we have. All of us have potential! 2. Let Christ take your life & mold it into being His kind of person! 3. Building on respect, dignity, and trust is something that cannot be ignored or hidden! B. Just how important are doing the little things? 1. Biblical principles ARE NOT flexible! a) A lie is a lie is a lie! “white or black” See Col. 3:9; Rev. 21:8, 27; 22:15 b) Say what you mean; mean what you say. Let your word be your bond! Jesus – Mt. 5:37 c) Theft is still theft – whether $.01; $1; $ 100; $ 1000; $1,000,000. See Eph. 4:28; 1 Peter 4:15 2. Integrity commits itself to character OVER personal gain! C. Therefore, the Christian must place character at the very top of his priority list on self improvement! 1. PEOPLE must be placed over THINGS. 2. SERVICE must be placed over POWER. 3. PRINCIPLE must be placed over CONVENIENCE 4. THE LONG VIEW must be placed over the IMMEDIATE D. Character is made in the small moments of our lives (Philip Brooks) 1. Break a godly principle; it creates a crack in your foundation of integrity! 2. Maxwell: when times get tough – it becomes harder to act w/integrity – not easier! Character isn’t created in crisis, it only comes to light! 3. Everything you have done in the past, and the things you have neglected to do – come to a head when under pressure. E. This requires constant attention! 1. Don’t do something that you would be ashamed of! a) are there things in your life you’d be ashamed to tell your spouse; parents; etc? b) Remember, God knows! He is watching – ALWAYS! 1 Cor. 4:5 II. Integrity starts on the inside. A. Development of character is an inside job. We must not look to the outside to explain defeiciencies in character. B. Integrity is not determined by circumstances. 1. Popular thinking: people of poor character are that way b/c they grew up in bad environment. 2. Yes…upbringing & environment affect us – esp. when young. 3. as one becomes older – he b/c responsible for choices made. 4. EACH one responsible for choices made in life – Gal. 6:5; ; Rom. 14:12; 2 Cor. 5:9-11; Ezek. 18:20-24. 5. We must take responsibility for our own lives! C. Integrity should not be confused with reputation. 1. poem – Maxwell. 2. Who would argue that a good reputation isn’t valuable? a) Solomon: Pro. 22:1; Eccl. 7:1 b) Reputation exists b/c it = reflection of a person’s character! 3. We need to worry less about what others think – give attention to our inner self! a) Gal. 1:10 – seek to please God – not men! b) Col. 3:10, 12-17 – done through a change of heart! 4. Take care of character? Reputation will take care of itself. 5. This may not be the easiest road – but is the road to take if we wish God to be pleased! III. Integrity is your best friend. A. Anytime we compromise our integrity – we do ourselves an incredible amount of damage. 1. spend years building it up – only to have much of it destroyed in an instant if not careful. 2. Integrity helps you keep priorities right. 3. it helps us not strike back when attacked unfairly. 4. when being criticized justly, it helps us accept what is said. B. Perhaps the biggest benefit to possessing integrity is that others can trust you! 1. W/o trust – you have nothing! It is the glue that holds people together! 2. Isa. 33:15-16; Mt. 7:12; 2 Cor. 8:21; Heb. 13:18 3. Trust = rare these days! People mostly suspicious; skeptical. 4. Often have to prove trustworthiness first. Trust comes when you exemplify solid character! Conclusion: A. Remember Hezekiah? Remember the influence he had over Israel? 1. Reforms made? Diligent effort to get Israel back on tract w/God? 2. In order to be successful, it had to start w/him. Integrity was a huge part of his success! 3. 2 Kings 18:3, 5-6 B. Dwight Eisenhower: In order to be a leader, a man must have followers. And to have followers, a man must have their confidence. Hence, the supreme quality for a leader is unquestionably integrity. Without it, no real success is possible, no matter whether it is on a section gang, a football field, in the army, or in an office. If a man’s associates find that he lacks forthright integrity, he will fail. His teachings and actions must square with each other. The first great need, therefore, is integrity and high purpose. C. Christians are leaders! We’re in charge of leading the lost to Christ! In order to do this, we’re going to have to be people of character! 1. w/o it we’re going to be unpleasing to God. 2. involve going back to fundamentals! D. Would you describe self as a person of character? A Christ-like person? 1. No? Can we help you start the transformation process? 2. Become a Christian today! E. Already a Christian – but not living up to the standard? F. I N V I T A T I O N The circumstances amid which you live determine your reputation … the truth you believe determines your character.… Reputation is what you are supposed to be; character is what you are.… Reputation is the photograph; character is the face.… Reputation comes over one from without; character grows up from within.… Reputation is what you have when you come to a new community; character is what you have when you go away. Your reputation is made in a moment; your character is built in a lifetime.… Your reputation is learned in an hour; your character does not come to light for a year.… Reputation grows like a mushroom; character lasts like eternity.… Reputation makes you rich or makes you poor; character makes you happy or makes you miserable.… Reputation is what men say about you on your tombstone; character is what the angels say about you before the throne of God.