When You Act With Integrity
If you found a lost wallet stuffed with a thousand dollars, what would you do? Most of us would like to think we’d do the right thing and return it, cash and all. But would we, even if no one was watching?
This powerful question, posed in a recent sermon by Pastor Wallace, serves as an entry point into the heart of the matter—integrity. Integrity isn’t just about following rules or being honest once in a while; it’s about the unwavering quality of being honest and having strong moral principles, even when no one else is watching. Drawing on the timeless story of King David found in 2 Samuel, as discussed in the sermon, Pastor Wallace helps us understand what true integrity looks like, why it’s so important, and how it can shape the course of our lives.
Let’s explore these life-changing lessons together.
What Is Integrity? Why Does It Matter?
When Pastor Wallace describes integrity, he frames it as “the quality of being honest and having strong moral principles,” both in public and—far more importantly—when no one else can see. Acting with integrity means sticking to our values, even if it's inconvenient, costly, or invites criticism. For those with faith, it means aligning our actions with the teachings of Christ and following the nudges of the Holy Spirit, even when we stand alone.
But why is this so important? Because integrity is foundational—not only for healthy relationships but for spiritual wholeness, leadership, and our own sense of inner peace. Integrity shapes the kind of spouse you are, the kind of leader you become, and the example you set for your children or community.
King David: A Case Study in Integrity
King David, one of the Bible’s best-known figures, wasn’t perfect. He was flawed, deeply human, and made catastrophic mistakes during his life. And yet, he’s remembered as “a man after God’s own heart.” How? Through a pattern of integrity—a story recounted in the sermon through 2 Samuel chapters 5 and 6.
1. Integrity Brings Divine Blessing
David’s rise to the throne wasn’t by accident. As Pastor Wallace emphasizes, David’s integrity was a key reason God chose to bless him:
Divine Opportunities. Because David consistently acted with integrity, God provided him opportunities he otherwise wouldn’t have had. The tribes of Israel, once divided in the aftermath of Saul’s reign, turned to David for leadership. They remembered David’s faithful service—even when he could have killed Saul to secure his own power. Instead, David waited for God’s timing, refusing to compromise his character for ambition. This patience and faithfulness led to his public anointing as king, bringing unity and stability to the nation.
Relational Trust. Integrity builds trust. The Israelites weren’t following a stranger, but a shepherd they’d seen tested over years. When people in our lives see us act with honesty, even when it’s hard, their confidence in us grows.
Spiritual Peace. There is a unique joy and peace that comes from a clear conscience. David waited for God, shunned vengeance, and trusted the Lord’s plan. When we choose integrity—even in adversity—we experience a freedom that no amount of money or achievement can buy.
2. Integrity Can Lead to Contempt From Others
We might think that doing the right thing always leads to people liking and respecting us. But that’s not always the case. Pastor Wallace recounts the moment when David, overjoyed at the return of the Ark of the Covenant to Jerusalem, publicly danced with abandon before God. His wife, Michal, watched from a window and “despised him in her heart.”
Why? Perhaps she was embarrassed by his lack of royal decorum, still grieving her father Saul, or unable to join in his celebration for other reasons. Whatever the case, doing what’s right—living and worshipping passionately before God—sometimes makes others uncomfortable. It can draw contempt or criticism, even from those closest to us.
In today's world, as Pastor Wallace pointed out, Christians who stand for their faith sometimes face not just disagreement, but outright hostility. The encouragement is clear: Don’t let despising voices deter your convictions. Serve God, not people’s opinions—even if it costs you human approval.
3. Let God Be the Judge
One of the sermon’s most poignant truths relates to judgment. When Michal criticized David, she wasn’t simply expressing an opinion—she was imposing her own set of standards on him. But integrity sometimes means being misunderstood or misjudged by human standards.
David’s response? He gently but firmly reminded Michal that his actions were “before the Lord.” His identity and obedience were rooted in God’s calling, not public perception or even his wife’s understanding.
Ultimately, as Pastor Wallace cautioned us, “Let God deal with critics. God is the judge, not us.” The measure we use to judge others will be used against us (Matthew 7:1-2). Holding others to man-made or personal standards—standards not grounded in God’s word—puts us in spiritual peril and robs us of the freedom that integrity brings.
Practical Applications: Living a Life of Integrity
So, how can we live out these lessons from David’s story and Pastor Wallace’s sermon?
1. Do What’s Right—Even When No One Is Watching
Return the wallet, even if there are no cameras. Be honest when filling out an expense report at work. Speak kindly to others, even if you’re not obligated to. Integrity isn’t forged in easy moments, but in small acts of unseen faithfulness.
2. Expect Not Everyone Will Approve
If you live with integrity, you might be misunderstood or even disliked. That’s okay. Anchor your sense of worth in God’s approval—not in applause or human praise.
3. Let God Handle Your Reputation
Don’t waste your energy defending yourself against every critic. Be humble if you’re wrong, but if you’re right with God, keep going. God is able to “lift up” those who are humble and faithful (James 4:10).
4. Experience Freedom and Peace
There’s freedom in knowing you’ve done the right thing before God, even if it’s hard. If you stumble, repent quickly—then keep moving forward in grace.
Conclusion: The Blessings of Integrity
Integrity isn’t about perfection—it’s about faithfulness, honesty, and putting God first. As the story of David demonstrates, this path leads to blessings, opportunities, and peace, even if not everyone approves.
So the next time you’re faced with a moment of choice, remember: character is revealed in what you do when no one is watching. Let’s strive to be people “after God’s own heart,” just like David—not perfect, but dedicated to walking in integrity at all costs.
Love God. Act with integrity. Let Him handle the rest.
