A Call for Integrity
According to dictionary.com, integrity is defined as an “adherence to moral and ethical principles; soundness of moral character; honesty.” Integrity seems to be a characteristic that is lacking in our current age. While we all have to acknowledge the lack of integrity in most areas of our culture today, we must understand that our current absence of character is not a new development. Nor is this the first time in human history when integrity seems to be a declining attribute.
Under the leadership of Samuel in the Old Testament, Israel faced a similar integrity crisis to the one we are facing today. In fact, Samuel’s own sons lacked character and abused the authority with which they had been entrusted. First Samuel 8:3 describes Samuel’s sons as young men who “did not walk in his ways but turned aside after gain. They took bribes and perverted justice.” Clearly, there was a moral crisis developing among the people of God.
For many years, Samuel served Israel as a judge and prophet. And while the people of Israel perpetually struggled with maintaining integrity, Samuel stood out as a man who lived righteously before God. Despite the moral erosion taking place around him, Samuel stayed faithful to the Lord and to His commandments.
In the twelfth chapter of 1 Samuel, we find the judge and prophet’s passionate address to the nation. In a sense, this chapter serves as a farewell speech that marks the transition of power to Israel’s newly appointed king – Saul the handsome son of Kish. Samuel begins his public address by acknowledging that he had spent his entire life serving the people of Israel by the sovereign calling of God. King Saul, who was their newly appointed civil leader, replaced Samuel in his role as judge over the people. Samuel’s responsibility of serving as a spiritual leader for the nation, however, was not finished.
Samuel had lived with integrity and faithfully served the Lord for decades. His desire in 1 Samuel 12 was to end his ministry well. By the time we reach this narrative, the judge and prophet is now old and gray (v. 2). Samuel has also done what the people asked. He had given them a king who would establish a more comprehensive government than the people of God had ever experienced before (v. 1).
Throughout his ministry, Samuel lived a life of character and had been above reproach as their leader. Samuel’s leadership was characterized by faithfulness to God and integrity, which will serve as a sharp contrast with the coming kings of Israel. And as Samuel ends his time as their civil leader, he wanted any previously unspoken grievances or accusations to be settled publicly. The aging judge and prophet pleads with the people, “Here I am; testify against me before the LORD and before his anointed” (v. 3).
In the latter part of the third verse, Samuel poses a series of questions in an attempt to accurately assess his years of leadership. During this pointed farewell speech, after having led Israel for decades, Samuel promised to repay anything he had unjustly taken from anyone.
Just like in Samuel’s day, people today want to know that their leader can be trusted. They want to know that leaders will keep promises and follow through on their commitments. Through the judge and prophet’s questions and the people’s response, we learn that Samuel was clearly a man of genuine integrity. He had led the people well.
There are two interesting observations to be made about Samuel’s integrity during this very public request.
First, Samuel showed integrity by asking the question in the first place. Many leaders today are not willing to ask open-ended questions that would give those they lead an opportunity to share their legitimate grievances and trespasses. Samuel willingly opened himself up to the scrutiny of everyone under his authority with the intent of correcting any legitimate failures and offenses.
Second, the response of the people confirms Samuel’s integrity. Shockingly, no one lodges a complaint against their outgoing leader. Based on the overwhelming response of the people, we can conclude that Samuel’s honesty and personal integrity permeated every area of his life. The people verified that Samuel never took advantage of his position in any way. Nor did he implement corrupt practices for personal gain. In other words, Samuel had consistently adhered to the instructions found in Deuteronomy 16:19 which teaches, “You shall not pervert justice. You shall not show partiality, and you shall not accept a bribe, for a bribe blinds the eyes of the wise and subverts the cause of the righteous.”
By the testimony of the people, Samuel steadfastly treated people fairly and kindly. He had cheated no one. He never abused his power to oppress those under his authority. He had taken no bribes. Nor had he acted in such a way that would marginalize his impeccable reputation.
While there is little doubt in my mind that there were minor offences and either real or perceived slights that came to individual minds, no public accusation could be made because there was no life-dominating, character-defining, or egregious act of corruption that could be identified. Even in the court of public opinion, Samuel was an obedient man of God. In the midst of the surrounding cultural darkness, Samuel stood out as an example of integrity and character.
As Christians, we must understand that integrity matters. Samuel was a servant of God who led with conviction and obedience. Unlike his sons, the Israelites, and the future kings of Israel, Samuel maintained his honorable character even in the midst of a disobedient people.
When we study the qualifications for church leadership in the New Testament (e.g., 1 Timothy 3), we see that character matters far more than ability. Certainly, a leader needs certain abilities to successfully lead. But more importantly, leaders must have the kind of integrity that is demonstrated by Samuel’s example.
Even though we live in a culture that has drifted away from God, we as followers of Christ are called to live lives of holiness and Christ-like integrity. While churches in the United States of America are facing many challenges, we are called as followers of Christ to be men and women who consistently display a godly character.