I’m a rule follower.
It drives my friends crazy. Brings good-natured eye rolls from my co-workers. Sometimes irritates my husband.
And I can’t really blame them. I’ve been known to get carried away. I over-analyze gray areas and second guess responses to even the tiniest moral dilemmas.
I admit…I even drive myself a little crazy sometimes!
There are definitely times when I need to loosen up. But, on the flip side, I’ve seen how God uses my annoying little personality quirk to teach important lessons on how to live with integrity.
Because even this rule-following, procedure-loving girl is sometimes tempted to take the easy way out. Especially when it’s convenient, quick, or less embarrassing.
When that happens, the Holy Spirit has been quick to remind me that today’s Christian can’t live on the fence. Now more than ever, this world needs people who know how to live with integrity.
Do we have to get ridiculous about it? No.
Do we need to be self-righteous or point out other’s faults? Of course not.
But we are called to be an example. Rule follower or free spirit. We have to do the right thing at the right time for the right reason.
So, when asking ourselves how to live with integrity in today’s society, here’s ten practices that I believe will help.
10 Ways to Live with Integrity
#1: Prioritize time with God
Spending time with God helps you hear His voice and be more in tune with the Holy Spirit. So, when He gently whispers in your ear or nudges your heart about a particular decision, you’re much more likely to pay attention.
If you’re so busy that you don’t have time to spend with God, you’re likely moving too fast to notice His presence in your day-to-day situations too. And His presence is vital for living with integrity in today’s world.
(Click here for more on how to make spending time with God a priority as a busy mom.)
#2: Read your Bible consistently
The Bible is the Christian’s key to morality. It might not spell out every single situation you’ll ever encounter, but it provides direction and wisdom for all of them.
It shows us how to walk out the Christian life in a way that honors God and reflects Jesus. The more you read it, the more clearly you’ll see how to live with integrity.
(Click here for a collection of Bible verses on how to to live with integrity.)
#3: Pray about everything
Jesus offers us direct access to God. We don’t have to wonder what to do about a certain situation. We can ask Him!
If you’re stuck with a moral dilemma, He wants to help. Ask Him what to do. And then expect an answer. It may come as a silent knowing in your heart. Or through the words of a friend. Or maybe in a sermon or worship song.
It it lines up with His Word and you have peace about it, take that as your answer! God will let you know if you’re wrong and redirect you.
#4: Listen to the Holy Spirit
God has never spoken to me in an audible voice. But He whispers to my heart all the time. Listening to the Holy Spirit is a key part of learning how to live with integrity.
That quiet knowing in your soul? That’s the Holy Spirit talking–telling you what to say, how to act, or where to go.
#5: Pay attention to the little things
Almost no one loses their principles overnight. Rather, it’s a slow decline that starts with tiny compromises. Small concessions of integrity that are brushed off as unimportant.
But those compromises change your character. Ever so gradually you lower your standards. And then all of a sudden…you’ve lost your way.
The little things matter. Refuse to compromise–especially when it doesn’t seem like a big deal.
(Click here for a powerful reminder on why integrity is so important.)
#6: Be open to accountability
The devil is tricky. We’re prone to sin. So, we can all use some accountability every now and then.
Be open to correction from those you trust. God can use them in powerful ways to keep you on track.
#7: Be aware of the enemy’s deception
The enemy is an expert liar. He knows exactly how to twist a situation in his favor. He will manipulate and deceive in whatever ways are necessary to accomplish his goals.
And his favorite tactic? Subtle temptations that don’t seem like a very big deal. A tiny white lie here. A lapse in judgement there. Making a small concession just that one time.
And once he’s found his way into your heart, he continues to gain ground the same way. Almost unnoticeable…until it isn’t.
So, be aware and stop the problem before it even starts.
#8: Refuse to compromise
I’ve already mentioned this in a few places. But it’s so important that it deserves its own spot. In a world where a moral code doesn’t even seem to exist, Christians have to remain firm and consistent.
We can’t compromise the truth of God’s Word. Even if that makes us unpopular, unwelcome, or uncomfortable.
We live for an audience of One.
#9: Be a person of your word
Remember when someone’s word meant something? That’s not really the case anymore. But it should be.
Mean what you say. Don’t make a promise you can’t keep.
Tell a friend you’ll have them over for dinner? Put it on your calendar and make it happen.
Say you’re going to pray for someone? Do it. And check in later to see how they’re doing.
So much on your plate that you feel like you can’t follow through? I get that. You might need to put some boundaries in place. Saying no is much better than a yes that carries no weight.
Learning how to live with integrity means you can be trusted–in your actions and your words.
#10: Make mistakes right
This isn’t an easy list to follow. Which might make this last practice the most important of all.
Realize that you won’t always get this right. No one is perfect.
You’ll make mistakes and wrong decisions. And that’s okay.
But brushing them under the rug isn’t.
Address what went wrong. Apologize when needed and do your best to make things right. Then move on. Acknowledge you’re human and give yourself grace.
Learning how to live with integrity is a process. One that won’t be perfected until we get to heaven. But as long as we’re moving in a positive direction, we’re making process!
How to live with integrity in today’s world
It only takes a few minutes in front of any kind of screen to see how far off the rails we are when it comes to integrity. Whether it’s the latest movie, your favorite TV show, or social media, lack of a moral compass is evident.
And that can make following these ten practices seem close to impossible.
But it also makes them that much more important.
Because living with true integrity is one of the best ways to show people Jesus.
We don’t need to preach.
We don’t have to finger point.
And we definitely shouldn’t judge.
We just have to live each day with honesty and Christ-like character. That alone will get people’s attention.
Because unfortunately, Christians who actually live like Christians are rare these days. That sad fact should make us passionate about learning how to live with integrity!
So, I’m calling out rule followers and free spirits alike. Those quick to conform and the ones who prefer to toe the line.
And everybody in the middle.
Let’s flip the script. Defy the odds. Do our best to live like Jesus in the ordinary, everyday moments and the big, everyone’s watching situations.
I can’t begin to imagine what our world would be like if we all took that challenge.
But I’d sure like to find out.
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