Dwight Eisenhower said, “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 of a leader is unquestionably integrity. Without it, no real success is possible.” He also says, “If a man’s associates find him guilty of being phony, if they 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.” We find in 1 Samuel chapter 20 that David’s friend Jonathan was a man of high integrity. He discerned early and accepted God’s will that David should inherit the kingship, despite his father’s jealous desire that it should go to Jonathan. Saul had forfeited the kingship by disobeying the Lord. Now in a jealous rage, he tries to compensate for his failure by living his life through his son Jonathan. Despite Saul’s jealousy of David, Jonathan formed a friendship with David that was unbreakable, knowing it would cost him the kingship. Here was selflessness of the highest order. Still today, integrity of character is a value God desires and we should pursue in all our doings.
Dr. Melvin E. Banks, Sr. is the founder and chairman of UMI (Urban Ministries, Inc.). Under his direction, UMI has grown to be a leading publisher of Christian education resources for churches in the African American community. Read More
