In 2012, a think-tank held a search for 1,000 people of integrity in their country. From that group they identified 20 who they felt could become key governmental leaders. This was in reaction to the widespread dismay over the fact that one-third of the country’s regents and mayors were under investigation for graft. In a country of hundreds of millions, there was no shortage of leader applicants, but the think-tank believed it was imperative that they help elect leaders who possessed integrity.
Integrity was an important issue in Nehemiah’s day as well. With the walls completed and gates restored, the city of Jerusalem was secure once again (Nehemiah 7:1-3). But Nehemiah had two more tasks to do. First, he appointed “the gatekeepers, singers, and Levites” (Nehemiah 7:1). Why gatekeepers? Weren’t they simply security guards who were ignored by most people? No, their contribution should have been highly valued. For what good were impregnable walls if the one controlling the gates wasn’t trustworthy? The Great Wall of China was breached many times, simply because the gatekeepers were bribed to let in the invaders. Walls and gates are only as good as the people guarding them (Nehemiah 7:3).
Second, Nehemiah appointed leaders who were people of integrity (Nehemiah 7:2). Today, there is no shortage of talented people in our churches. And often these gifted ones are appointed as leaders because they’re deemed to be successful in their professional fields. But are they people of integrity, people who fear God? They should certainly be individuals who “fear God more than most” (v.2).
In appointing people to key positions, Nehemiah looked for people of integrity who feared God more than most. May we do the same in our churches.
NLT 365-day reading plan passage for today: Acts 28:1-14
More:
What kind of people did Moses appoint as leaders in Exodus 18:19-26?
Next:
What does it mean for you to be a person of integrity? How does a person who fears God more than most lead others well?
roxanne robbins on November 18, 2013 at 7:33 am
As you write about the importance of gatekeepers with integrity, I think of the guards at my home in Uganda. Without integrity, the very people hired to protect you could turn on you and do much harm since they’ve been granted close proximity to your home and loved ones.
tom felten on November 18, 2013 at 8:27 am
Good thoughts, KT. Jesus modeled both perfect integrity and humility. These are important characteristics for any Christian leader to possess.
winn collier on November 23, 2013 at 11:40 pm
This call to integrity is so important. Unfortunately, we often act as though so many other things are more crucial.
daisymarygoldr on December 30, 2013 at 5:35 pm
Nehemiah looked for people of integrity who feared God more than most. In other versions it says “a faithful man who feared God more than most”. Why fear God? “The fear of the Lord is true wisdom” (Job 28:28). In the early Church, people appointed to key positions were full of the Spirit and wisdom. I had the privilege of being raised under such elders who by the world’s standards do not qualify as leaders.
You see, the skills to lead God’s flock cannot be acquired by earning a degree in leadership or graduating from a seminary. It is the gift of the Holy Spirit (Romans 12:8). In the church, gifted ones use their natural talents. However, God anoints ordinary believers with supernatural gifts to accomplish His purposes in and through the Church.
Speaking of the trustworthy gatekeeper, while Nehemiah was away, an evil man named Tobiah was allowed to enter and live within the temple. Nehemiah threw out Tobiah and his belongings out of the room and demanded that the rooms be purified (Nehemiah 13:4-9).
Our Lord Jesus represented Himself as a man going away on a long trip and told the gatekeeper to watch for his return (Mark 13:34). A “faithful” servant will keep the Lord’s flock well-fed, in good spiritual health and protect them from imposters who sneak in to infiltrate the fold with false doctrine. Blessed are those whom the master, when He comes, will find watching.