I know this is a popular view today, but I can’t agree with those who say a person’s private life doesn’t matter or have anything to do with how they live in public.

In fact, one of our greatest needs today is for men and women of consistency and integrity—people with high moral standards that influence every part of their lives, both private and public. The politician or businessman who cheats on his wife or lies to his children is far more likely to take a bribe or swindle someone in a business deal. Israel’s King David declared, “I know, my God, that you test the heart and are pleased with integrity” (1 Chronicles 29:17).

Jesus pointed out that what we are on the inside—in our hearts and minds—inevitably affects how we’ll live on the outside. He said, “The good man brings good things out of the good stored up in his heart, and the evil man brings evil things out of the evil stored up in his heart. For out of the overflow of his heart his mouth speaks” (Luke 6:45). And someday, the Bible warns, all our actions will be judged, public or private.

Is there a lack of integrity in your life? Are you living one way in private and another way before others? Whatever your situation, my prayer is that you will face your need of God’s forgiveness and grace, and commit your life to Jesus Christ. He alone will put your feet on the right path in life—His path.