Integrity is often seen as one of the key traits of a successful leader. When someone has it they are trusted and valued because what they say and do are always consistent with the values they claim to embrace.
Integrity has to be demonstrated just as trust has to be earned. Leaders in the public eye are also in the spotlight: they have the power and opportunity to affect the lives of others. All too often, though, those we expect to lead us have been proven to have only their own interests at heart.
Integrity can't be bought nor is it possible for it to handed down from Father to son. We might expect the sons of the Father to be competent and all caring but their real concern is to make their lives easier for themselves and enjoyable at others' expense.
How different it is when we encounter the real deal. Samuel's conception and birth was soaked in prayer: he learns by being in the place where God is worshipped. In time, he will become the power broker as a nation regains its strength and the worshipping community regains its connection to God.
After we've heard from Andy Johnson about CAP (Christians Against Poverty), we'll be considering how we can help to support those in need.
Whatever we have, however pushed we are for time there are always opportunities for us to get involved where God is already at work. We have a lot to give, the greatest of this being to tell people about Jesus and to show (practically) that this matters.
If you had the opportunity what one thing would you want from God?
It's a big ask (in some ways) but it's also likely to have a big impact: instead of wishing things would change, I’m asking God for His strength to make a change.
We can be confident that whatever happens, we are safe and secure when we trust God.
