09/01/2026
MEN RISE UP — Tuesday: Integrity
Normal Doesn’t Mean Right
Men, today’s word is integrity, and I want to continue pulling from Pastor Jason’s message at Bethlehem Church this week.
Something from the sermon really caught my attention:
The Corinthians had started mistaking what their culture accepted for what Christ approved.
Think about how easily we can do the same thing today.
We hear things like:
“Everybody does it.”
“That’s just how guys talk.”
“It’s not that big of a deal.”
“That’s just business.”
“That’s normal nowadays.”
But here’s the problem:
Just because something has become normal doesn’t mean it’s right.
If everybody on the job cuts a corner, that doesn’t make it right.
If guys disrespect their wives when they’re around other men, that doesn’t make it right.
If po*******hy has become normal in our culture, that doesn’t make it right.
If everybody gossips, bends the truth, loses their temper, or talks however they want, that doesn’t mean we should.
Integrity means there has to be a standard in our lives higher than what everybody else is doing.
Romans 12:2 says:
“Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind.”
And guys, this challenges me too.
There are things in my own life where I can justify the way I respond by saying:
“That’s just how I am.”
But following Jesus means having enough humility to say:
“Maybe that’s how I’ve always been, but that doesn’t mean that’s how God wants me to stay.”
That’s growth.
That’s integrity.
Today’s Action Step
Ask yourself:
“What have I allowed to become normal in my life that God may be asking me to change?”
Maybe it’s your language.
Your temper.
Something you’re watching.
How you treat your wife.
How you conduct yourself when nobody’s watching.
How you handle things at work.
Don’t compare yourself to everybody around you.
Compare the man you are today to the man God is calling you to become.
At Home
Men, remember this:
Your kids are watching what you normalize.
What Dad laughs at.
How Dad talks.
How Dad treats Mom.
What Dad watches.
How Dad handles anger.
Whether Dad keeps his word.
You’re teaching them what’s acceptable without ever sitting them down and teaching a lesson.
Make sure the example you’re giving them is one worth following.
This Week’s Sermon
What we’re talking about this week comes from Pastor Jason’s message at Bethlehem Church.
I encourage you guys to watch the entire sermon.
But don’t just watch another sermon and move on.
Watch it and ask yourself:
“God, what have I allowed to become normal in my life that You’re asking me to change?”
Then have the courage to listen when He answers.
Watch Pastor Jason’s message from Bethlehem Church
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1qJb1B-8qfE
Prayer
Lord, give us the courage to live by Your standard instead of simply following what’s normal around us. Show us where we’ve made excuses or allowed the world to influence us more than Your Word. Give us the humility and strength to change, and make us men of integrity at work, at home, and when nobody is watching. In Jesus’ name, Amen. 🙏