3 Practical Ways to Live With Integrity

We all want a future we can be proud of—one marked by purpose, peace, and the favor of God. But in a world full of distractions, disappointments, and temptations, how do we practically live in a way today that honors the future we hope for tomorrow?

Living with integrity isn’t just about avoiding major moral failures. It’s about choosing what’s right daily, even when it’s inconvenient, unseen, or unpopular. Pastor Julie often says, “The small decisions you take today become the big stories you tell tomorrow.”

 If you want to live a life that honors God and protects your future, here are 3 practical ways to walk in integrity today:

1. Pre-Decide: Set Boundaries Before You Need Them

Flee from sexual immorality.
1 Corinthians 6:18

Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it.
Proverbs 4:23

Integrity doesn’t happen by accident. It begins with intentional decisions—before the temptation shows up, before the pressure hits, and before emotions cloud your judgment.

Let’s Get Practical:

• Pre-decide now what you’ll say “no” to before moments of temptation come
  • Think ahead: “If this situation arises, how will I respond?”
  • Choose in advance what you will and won’t watch, listen to, say, or do.
• Set digital boundaries: filters, time limits, or deleting apps that lead you to compromise. (Bonus read: Practical Ways to Honor God With Your Phone.)
• Create relational boundaries: don't entertain flirtation, gossip, or bitterness.
• Establish time boundaries: protect your quiet time, your Sabbath, your commitment to church.

2. Stay Accountable and Known

Confess your sins to one another and pray for one another, so that you may be healed.
James 5:16

Two are better than one… If either of them falls down, one can help the other up.
Ecclesiastes 4:9–10

The only battle you can’t win is the one you try to fight alone. If you want to walk in integrity, you need people who will encourage you, check in, and challenge you when you’re off course.

Let’s Get Practical:

• Join a Group or Class where you can grow and be challenged.
• Choose one or two trusted people you can be honest with about your struggles.
• Regularly ask yourself: “Is there anything I’ve been hiding or justifying?”
• Be open to correction. Invite a mentor into your life and give them permission to ask you the tough questions. Be quick to confess when needed, not just to God, but to those you trust.

3. Do the Right Thing When No One’s Watching

Whoever walks in integrity walks securely.
Proverbs 10:9

Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters.
Colossians 3:23

Integrity isn’t built in front of an audience. It’s formed in the quiet places; when you take that thought captive, tell the truth even when it’s uncomfortable, or choose forgiveness when it’s not deserved.

Let’s Get Practical:

• Turn your work into worship. Show up on time, finish what you start, and honor your commitments. Work with excellence as if working for God. Refuse to cut corners.
• Honor others, even when they’re not around. Ask yourself, “Would I say this if they were here in the room?”
• Take your thoughts captive and surrender them to God. 
• Be responsible in handling money, time, or authority. Make decisions based on values, not convenience.

Final Thoughts: Integrity Protects Your Future

Your future isn’t as much about where you end up, but who you become along the way. When you consistently honor God in your choices, He will honor you. In Psalm 84:11 God promises, “He will withhold no good thing from those who walk with integrity.” 

It's never too late for God to redeem the past and for you to start living a life of integrity. You don’t have to be perfect; you just need to be committed. Committed to truth, to growth, and to living a life that honors God.

So today, take one step:

• Set boundaries that protect your heart.
• Get honest and invite others in.
• Do the right thing, even when no one is watching. 

Remember: you can protect your tomorrow by prioritizing your integrity today.

More Four Crucial Questions for Your Life Series Resources