A recent study published in a popular business magazine revealed that the three qualities that distinguished 'champion' Chief Executive Officers from the many who fumble in leadership were: Integrity, maturity and energy. (Fortune Magazine, June 21 Issue, 1999)

What comes to your mind when you hear these words? Integrity. Maturity. Energy.

'Integrity' comes from the word 'integer' which means 'complete', or 'sound'; It is the state of being 'a whole', in contrast to 'a fraction'. To be a person of integrity means that the numerator of your 'walk' is equal to your denominator of your 'talk'. 'To have integrity' implies that your behavior will be solidly in line with your values; your commitment to your moral and ethical principles is not fractional. Though not perfect, a person of integrity has a track record of being DEPENDABLE. There is a history of adherence to 'doing the right thing'. ONE'S PRACTICE IS IN LINE WITH ONE'S PRINCIPLES.

'Maturity' gives us a picture of 'ripeness' and 'readiness'. The fruit of one's character is fully grown and ready to taste. Maturity is not always dependent upon age. A person can be young and surprisingly seasoned. A person may be older and surprisingly immature. A person may have much experience, but experience alone is not a good teacher. EVALUATED experience causes us to maximize the benefit of life's lessons. A person who is mature LEARNS FROM LIFE.

'Energy' is the result of being connected to a source of power. The American Heritage Dictionary defines 'energy' as 'a capacity for work or vigorous activity'. Energy involves having a positive mental attitude as well as physical strength. To maintain high energy involves the discipline of focusing our power-source, maintaining the direction of the river's flow with solid riverbanks of prudent decision-making. This energy fulfills its potential when it is coupled with the discipline of a good work ethic and the ability to execute high priority tasks.

The results of this new study are consistent with a report issued in the sixth century BC concerning the champion CEO appointed by Darius of Persia: Daniel.

"..This Daniel began distinguishing himself among the commissioners and satraps (governors) because HE POSSESSED AN EXTRAORDINARY SPIRIT, and the king planned to appoint him over the entire kingdom. Then the commissioners and satraps began trying to find a ground of accusation against Daniel in regard to government affairs; but they could find no ground of accusation or evidence of corruption, inasmuch as he was FAITHFUL , and NO NEGLIGENCE OR CORRUPTION WAS TO BE FOUND IN HIM." (Daniel 6:3-4 NASB).

The Biblical account gives us deeper insight than the findings of "Fortune" Magazine, because it reveals the supernatural source for Daniel's integrity, maturity and energy. He possessed an extraordinary spirit; an 'excellent spirit'. This does not merely mean that he had a good attitude. Study his life and you will see that he had a spiritual connection with God that proved to be indispensable to his success.

An authentic relationship with God requires a radical alignment; an adjustment that must be on His terms and not our own. Jesus Christ said that the only way that we can be reconciled to God is through changing our way of thinking (repentance). Our own performance, no matter how distinguished, can not bring us into alignment with God. We must trust the redeeming work Christ has performed on our behalf to align us to God's holy standards.

The same God who aligns us so we can have a genuine relationship with Him and serve others with integrity, will also empower us with His Spirit, giving us the energy to execute His will. On the basis of Christ's finished work of redemption FOR US on the Cross, where He took the punishment our sins deserved, God can do a work of restoration IN US by the power of the Holy Spirit.

The fruit of the Holy Spirit's indwelling is: love, joy, peace, long-suffering, gentleness, goodness, meekness, self-control, and faithfulness (Galatians 5:22). The fruit of the Spirit does not grow overnight. It must mature. But when it does we will find that our numerator is equal to our denominator. Our walk comes in line with our talk. Our practice becomes one with our principles. We become trust-worthy because we ourselves are trusting One worthy of energizing and directing our lives. We become whole people. People of integrity. People of an 'extraordinary spirit.'