Don't be Exposed, Walk With Integrity

We’re going to tackle something that’s easy to talk about—but much harder to live out: integrity.

You know, being the same person behind the scenes that you are out in front. Like… are you putting the shopping cart back? Are you really driving the speed limit when no one’s watching—or just when you see a cop?

Integrity isn’t about being perfect—it’s about being consistent.

Proverbs 10:9 (NLT): “People with integrity walk safely, but those who follow crooked paths will be exposed.”

So, let’s talk about how to walk in integrity—with a smile on your face and maybe a few honest laughs along the way.

Integrity—it’s one of those words that sounds super grown-up, but it shows up in the little stuff too. Like not cheating on your taxes or resisting the urge to check someone’s fridge when you're house-sitting. Why do we find it so interesting to see what others may have in their fridge or medicine cabinet? Don’t we all have the basics?

Integrity isn’t about never making mistakes—it’s about owning up when we do. Like the time I accidentally backed into a shopping cart and looked around to see if anyone saw… then realized the ‘anyone’ that mattered was me—and God.

We live in a world that’s big on image and small on character. But God calls us to the opposite—less polish, more honesty.

There are everyday examples of integrity.

Let’s talk about the small stuff: returning extra change when the cashier gives you too much. Admitting you were wrong in an argument (even when it’s with your teenager). Or just keeping quiet instead of jumping in when it’s not your place to speak.

These little moments stack up and shape who we are. It’s in those moments we’re seen—for our kindness, our silence, and how we handle the situation.

Integrity isn’t always convenient, but it’s always worth it. You can’t build a strong life on shaky values. You have to seek the Lord and learn to stand on His firm foundation for guidance.

Have you ever found something that was dropped? You know—like a wallet, a phone, or even a baby’s toy?

When we seek out the person who dropped it—or maybe just turn it in somewhere in case they come back looking—it shows integrity. And it gives you peace of mind.

Integrity shows who we are when no one’s looking and when there’s no one there to give us praise.

But if you’re in a situation today where cutting corners would be easier, take a deep breath and choose the high road. It’s not always glamorous, but integrity keeps your heart clean and your sleep peaceful.

Let’s talk about how integrity shows up in our relationships. Whether it’s friendship, marriage, coworkers, or the person you talk to at the drive-thru window—who you are in private and public makes all the difference.

Isn’t it exhausting to try and be someone different depending on who you're with? Integrity is about consistency. Like, if you’re sweet as pie at church but your spouse sees another version of you at home—that’s a problem.

Real integrity means living the same life all the time—even when you're annoyed and hangry.

Honest communication is so important in every relationship.

Integrity in relationships means telling the truth kindly. It means not saying one thing to someone’s face and another behind their back.

Sometimes it means texting back—even when you don’t feel like it! (It’s okay if you feel called out—we all have those moments.) But replying shows the other person they were heard.

Relationships thrive when we build them on trust—and trust is built on integrity.

Proverbs 10:9 (NLT): “People with integrity walk safely, but those who follow crooked paths will be exposed.”

We all make mistakes, and we all need to make improvements in our relationships.

If you’ve made some mistakes, start today with honesty and change. Being real may not be the easiest thing—but it’s the best way to build something lasting.

Let’s be people others can count on—because they know we’re true to our word.

And if someone notices your change? Just let them know that God has been working in you. Let that open the door to a good conversation.

Let’s talk about living a legacy of integrity.

What does it look like to be remembered as someone others could trust? And how do we stay faithful when no one’s looking?

We live in a world that’s all about the fast fix. Fast fame. Fast money. But God honors the slow and steady path of integrity. Like that person who’s had the same beat-up car for 15 years because they refuse to go into debt. That’s not flashy—but it’s wise.

Kids are watching us.

Whether we realize it or not, they notice how we treat the waiter, whether we fudge the truth, and how we handle stress. Integrity is caught more than taught.

Want to raise honest kids? Be an honest adult.

I think we all have someone in our lives who comes to mind when we hear the word integrity. Someone who lived it out in front of us. Someone whose example stuck. That’s the kind of legacy we want to leave—the kind that says, “Because I followed God’s lead, I lived with integrity.”

We sometimes think we have to get it all together before change can happen—but that’s just not true.

Every little decision is a chance to walk in integrity, and those decisions matter. The change is noticeable.

You’ll never regret being someone who keeps their word, lives honestly, and loves truthfully.

Proverbs 10:9 (NLT): “People with integrity walk safely, but those who follow crooked paths will be exposed.”

Let’s keep showing up, doing right, and walking tall—one step at a time.

Integrity isn’t about being perfect—it’s about being honest, consistent, and real.The world needs people who shine brightly because their character runs deep.

So today—whether you’re returning a cart or returning a call—do it with integrity.