This is the essence of spiritual leadership. These days we hear much about spiritual leaders and their importance to the church of the next millennium. Yet true spiritual leaders are of God's own making. Depth of spiritual authenticity does not always come with theological education, ordination, election, or appointment to offices of leadership in the church. Spiritual authenticity is not a function of intelligence, eloquence, or creative energy, but rather of faith and faithfulness.
Spiritual integrity comes as the by-product of our own gradual process of sanctification.
It cannot be forced or pretended. Desire for power over others will defeat it utterly. Need for others' praise and good opinion will effectively impede it. Those of us in positions of authority and leadership in the church have more responsibility to live our call with integrity. Like it or not, we are models within the company of the faithful.