How deep does our integrity go? In ministry we teach, counsel and speak; but how do our lives measure up against our own words?
Several years ago, I was stranded in the Knoxville airport for more than four hours due to mechanical problems on an airplane. I searched the very small bookstore in the airport for something to read to pass the time. I came across a book by Steven Ambrose called To America: Reflections of a Historian. In the book, Ambrose wrote on a variety of topics about American history. In chapter one, he discussed the role of Thomas Jefferson as one of the founding fathers.
Ambrose describes Jefferson with these pointed words, “He had a great mind and a limited character.” Jefferson, who penned the words that have inspired generations “all men are created equal,” was a slaveholder. He had a mistress who was a slave, and he lied about it. He knew slavery was wrong but did not have the courage to bring it to an end.
The man who drafted the Declaration of Independence never freed his slaves, was not interested in the plight of the American Indian, and “threw up his arms at the thought of women’s rights.”
A Different Kind of Leader
Ambrose writes of George Washington, “His character was rock solid. He was constant. At the center of events for 24 years, he never lied, fudged or cheated. Washington came to stand for the new nation and its republican virtues, which is why he became our first president by unanimous choice and, in the eyes of many, including this author, our greatest.”
By the way, Washington also had slaves—it was the custom of the day. However, of nine presidents who owned slaves, only Washington freed his. One of the descendants is a guide at Washington’s home in Mount Vernon today.
As I pondered Ambrose’s words about Thomas Jefferson and George Washington, I realized how they are echoed in the lives of those of us called to ministry. There are many of us who are brilliant teachers, speakers, counselors and writers, capturing the hearts of young people and adults with our words and ideas; but do our lives and accomplishments really show that while we have great abilities our characters are limited? Why are they limited? Because we are not living what we teach.
What the church needs today are “Washingtons,” men and women of solid Christ-like character who are the living examples of what they teach and who inspire others to live boldly for Christ. We need leaders who can say with the apostle Paul, “Follow my example,” not just my words.
Developing character and integrity takes time and energy. More than anything else, it takes time with Jesus, time in His Word, time listening. So many of us in ministry fall into the trap of being so busy doing that we have no time to sit at Jesus’ feet.
Abigail Adams wrote of George Washington, “Mark his majestic fabric. He is a temple sacred…built with divine hands.”
Congress wanted Washington’s body to be buried beneath the Capitol Rotunda, like Napoleon’s body is buried in France. He would have none of that. He is buried at his home in Mount Vernon. It was not about him! It was about something much bigger, much greater than his life.
Is ministry about us or about Christ? Does our character match the words we have spoken? Perhaps it is time to come away with Jesus to a quiet place and let Him speak deeply into our hearts and minds.
