A Matter of Integrity

A Matter of Integrity

Scripture References

Primary text

• Psalm 15

Other references

• Proverbs 10:9
• Matthew 23:25
• Psalm 139

Overview

Psalm 15 asks, “Who may dwell in God’s presence?” and answers: the one who walks blamelessly— the person of integrity. Using that psalm as his frame, the pastor shows that integrity is not sinless perfection but a fully integrated life where every compartment—professional, family, social, private, and spiritual—is directed by Jesus. Through Scripture, real–life stories, and pointed questions, he calls listeners to let God search their hearts, confess any duplicity, and live the same in private as in public so that the world is surprised by our integrity rather than by its absence.

Main Points

Integrity is wholeness, not perfection

• Integrity comes from the Latin “integer” — whole, complete, one.
• Perfection isn’t the standard; even people who make mistakes can live with integrity when behavior matches belief.
• Compartmentalized living (“work me,” “family me,” “social me,” “private me”) contradicts the integrated life Jesus intends.

Integrity contrasted with hypocrisy

• Hypocrisy (Greek “hypokritēs”) is wearing a mask—showing one thing while hiding another.
• Jesus addressed hypocrites more sharply than open sinners (Matthew 23:25); outward polish without inward truth repulses Him.
• Reputation is who others think you are; integrity is who you really are.

You are building your own house

• Illustration: A master builder, days from retirement, reluctantly built one last house, cutting corners throughout. At completion the owner handed him the keys—he had built his own home.
• Every choice—generosity or selfishness, honesty or deceit—adds bricks to the house we will eventually live in.
• Parents especially shape their legacy; public faith paired with private compromise breeds rebellion in children.

What is your integrity worth?

• Integrity can be “sold” for résumés, expense reports, stolen Wi-Fi, or lying about a child’s age at the gate.
• Story: In high school the pastor pocketed a blue putt-putt ball. His coach benched him until he returned it and declared,

  “When you have integrity, nothing else matters; when you don’t, nothing else matters.”

• Story: Years later he nearly lost a Prince Pro tennis racquet after promising it to any camper who beat him— and kept his word when a lucky net-cord did the trick.

Let God search your heart (Psalm 139)

• Prayer: “Search me… test me… see if there is any offensive way in me.”
• Three diagnostic questions:
  1. Where am I most defensive?
  2. What do I hide from others?
  3. What do I criticize most in others?
• Confession brings cleansing; integrity is easier to keep than to restore.
• Story: On a board call he exercised while speaking, forgot to mute, lied to cover the noise, and later phoned every member to repent.

Do right and trust God with the results

• Resolve: “With God’s help I’ll do what’s right and trust Him with the outcome.”
• Our moment-by-moment faithfulness can shock a cynical world with love, generosity, grace, and integrity centered on Jesus.

Key Truths

• Integrity means my private life aligns with my public confession.
• Hypocrisy hides behind masks; Jesus demands inside-out holiness.
• Every decision is a brick in the house I must one day inhabit.
• Integrity has a price tag only if I’m willing to sell it.
• It is safer to maintain integrity now than to salvage it later.
• God willingly reveals, forgives, and reshapes any compartment I surrender to Him.

Response

• Invite Jesus into every compartment of life—no hidden rooms.
• Tell the truth even when it costs, trusting God with the fallout.
• Confess any known area of duplicity to God and, when needed, to people you wronged.
• Model consistent faith at home; let children see the same parent in public and private.
• Pray Psalm 139 regularly, asking the Spirit to expose and heal hypocrisy.

Closing

Integrity still has the power to astonish a world accustomed to compromise. The sermon ends by urging believers to let Jesus integrate every area of life so that our generosity, service, and honesty point others to Him.

“Walk with integrity.”

Prayer

The congregation asked God to search their hearts, reveal inconsistencies, forgive hidden sins, empower a life centered on Jesus, and guide each step in integrity.