“No man is fit to command another who cannot command himself.” William Penn
When most people think about Gideon, they think about his encounter with the Lord or the choosing of his army and the ensuing victory. But there is a part of the story that, if left out, changes the whole outcome. Long before Gideon became a hero in Jewish history, he first became a man of obedience and integrity.
We must understand that before we are given influence, we must prove ourselves obedient and vessels of integrity. Far too many today want to skip this aspect of the process and move right into the place of influence. We forget that influence isn’t just what you say; it’s who you are.
After calling Gideon a “Mighty man of Valor,” God gave him an assignment that had nothing to do with the Midianites. Instead of telling Gideon to go to battle, He told Gideon to take his father’s bull, tear down his father’s idol to Baal and the wooden image beside it, and use the wood to make an offering to the Lord (Judges 6:25-27). Before Gideon could confront the enemies of the nation, he had to confront the compromise at home.
That is the development of obedience and integrity.
Integrity has been defined as doing the right thing when no one is watching. I think integrity also involves doing the right thing even when it’s costly. It means obeying God when no one is applauding and when the consequences are uncertain. Gideon carried out God’s command, knowing it would probably anger his family and neighbors. He did it at night because he was afraid, but in spite of his fear, he still obeyed. That’s an important thing to remember. Courage isn’t the absence of fear; it’s acting despite the fear.
God isn’t looking for perfect people; he’s looking for people whose hearts are fully his and obey even when they are afraid, or when the outcome could be negative. Integrity will always choose faithfulness over convenience, conviction over compromise, and obedience over popularity.
Gideon’s private act of integrity prepared him for public victory. In the end, no one remembered the act of obedience, just the victory it ensured. Before he led the army, he led himself. Before he tore down Midian’s power, he first tore down the idolatry in his community. Zechariah 4:10 instructs us to “Not despise small beginnings.” We tend to marginalize the little things and forget that they are the foundation on which larger endeavors stand. We must see even the smallest task we are given as important as any.
This principle still applies today. God only entrusts greater assignments to those who have proven themselves trustworthy and faithful in the smaller ones. Our greatest victories are built on the unseen acts of obedience and integrity that no one notices but God.
Integrity is not only based on what you do when others are watching, but also on the quiet decision to honor him when compromise or looking the other way is more convenient. It’s refusing to build your future on shortcuts that violate his word.
Gideon’s story reminds us that God builds champions from the inside out. He first shapes our character before he enlarges our influence. Joseph, David, and even Paul the Apostle did not attain their rightful places of influence until God first ensured they were equipped to excel in their destinies.
If we desire to be disciples in a world filled with compromise and shortcuts to influence, we must first become people of obedience and integrity. Victories gained in public will always be rooted in choices we make privately.
Victory begins long before the battle ever starts. It begins with a heart willing to obey and complete the task without taking shortcuts or going outside God’s word. It’s the formation of a heart and spirit who obey completely no matter the cost.
