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What should you do if you’re asked to serve as an elder? Do you decide on the basis of related work experience? Is there an x-factor you should know about? Is it a question of who has the strongest opinions or whether you think you could make better decisions than the current elders? The Bible gives a clear benchmark, and the starting point is integrity. But it’s not just a requirement of elders. It’s the goal of all discipleship and should characterize every believer. We all need to work on integrity whether we’re ever asked to become leaders or not. The Christian version of integrity is slightly different than how people typically conceive of it, though. Let me explain.

1. Christian integrity means to be above reproach

The lists of qualifications for elders in the New Testament begin with the requirement that they be “above reproach” (1 Timothy 3:2; Titus 1:6). This is a summary term that is further defined by the other qualities that follow in the list, but it speaks to the leader’s integrity. Suitability to Christian leadership doesn’t begin with skills, connections, or charisma. The leader must reflect the Saviour he represents. He must embody the character that Christianity espouses. To be above reproach means that you’re not open to the charge of hypocrisy. Your family should see the same person that the church does. Your life shouldn’t distract from your words because of any obvious sins or failures. You should uphold high standards and live them out with consistency. Nothing is more important than an elder being above reproach.

2. Christian integrity should be evident to non-Christians

We’ve said that Christian integrity is unique. We have a different standard based on the Scriptures. We’re not just to be good; we’re to be “holy” (Titus 1:8). But we’ve all seen how “holy” can change into “holier-than-thou.” And no one can see this more clearly than non-Christians. That’s why one of the qualifications for elders is that they “must be well thought of by outsiders” (1 Timothy 3:7). Non-Christians typically aren’t impressed by how much we pray, or how many Bible verses we’ve memorized. They’re looking for more practical evidence of the reality of our faith like kindness, honesty, and diligence. We can all smile for an hour on Sunday, but the reality of our character comes out when we feel the stress of deadlines, pressure, and angry customers. Do the non-Christians in your life recognize your integrity? If not, that’s an important area to work on.

3. Christian integrity means to deal honestly with sin

Being above reproach isn’t the same as being above sin. John’s words apply to leaders as much as they do to believers: “If we say we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. If we say we have not sinned, we make him a liar, and his word is not in us” (1 John 1:8-10). Whenever a Christian starts to think that they’re without sin, they’re denying or redefining sin. We can all reduce sin to a list of rules that we’re able to keep, but that’s not what Scripture teaches. Christian integrity means that sin is promptly confessed and repented of. Correction should be received. Accountability should be welcomed. Christian leaders can’t be sinless, but they can deal with their sins honestly in the power of the gospel.

Are you above reproach? Can people see your integrity? Do you deal consistently with your sin? If not, see this as a motivation, not an excuse. Confess the areas that you’ve neglected and invite the influence of the Holy Spirit and other believers to help you. And as Paul said in Philippians 2:14-15, “Do all things without grumbling or disputing, that you may be blameless and innocent, children of God.”

In awe of Him,

Paul