Q: I am tired of hearing spiritual people talk about the right way to live and then they live like the devil. My grandparents were wonderful people and while I am not of the same faith they were, I could always count on them to tell me the truth. But I don’t see this lived out among many today, especially leaders. Why is this?

A: From the writings of the Rev. Billy Graham

Actually many people, regardless of spirituality, tend to talk one way and live another and it is something to guard against. Not too many years ago, honesty was the hallmark of a person’s character. But it seems it has been set aside for an “It’s all right if you don’t get caught” philosophy. But the Bible says, “Be sure your sin will find you out” (Numbers 32:23).

A manager told about a religious convention held in his hotel. When the people returned to their rooms, they turned on pay TV; seventy-five percent turned to the R-rated programming. What a difference there is sometimes between the way we talk and the way we live. One of the real tests of Christian character is revealed in the lives we live from day to day.

Consistency is vital in having integrity, which means that if our private life was suddenly exposed, we’d have no reason to be ashamed or embarrassed. It means that our outward life is consistent with our inner convictions. What young people want to see in leaders is integrity, honesty, truthfulness and faith. What they hate most of all is hypocrisy and phoniness. People of integrity can be trusted and are the same whether alone a thousand miles away, or at home. The Bible tells us how to do this. “Joyful are people of integrity, who follow the instructions of the Lord” (Psalm 119:1, NLT).