Skill vs. Integrity

David led them with integrity of heart; with skillful hands he led them. (Psalms 78:72)

This verse has always intrigued me.  I think it illustrates perfectly that you need more than skill to lead people effectively.  You also need more than integrity.  I would argue that you need both to lead people in a way that is pleasing to God and brings Him the most glory.

You need more than skill.  I have seen people with an incredible amount of skill  but zero leadership.  Why?  Because no matter how talented you are, people aren’t going to follow anyone who doesn’t have integrity.  People are far too busy to waste their time following someone who is sloppy, doesn’t speak the truth, or continually abuses their power.

On the flip side, I have seen people with incredible integrity and no skills.  They love God and love people but they have no idea how to lead them.  It is evident that they spend time with God, but they cannot sing at all.  This is very important and if I had to choose one of the two, I would choose integrity.

However, I think both are necessary to be the leader that God has designed you to be.  I am praying that God would give me both.  I’m a little greedy like that!