Ultimate Accountability: Living In Light of the Painful Fall of Media Giants

Americans have recently witnessed the fall of some media giants. Wow, these stories have been disheartening to say the least.

Amidst my sadness over these stories, however, I’m actually glad about a couple of things:

1. I’m glad that some of the wounded women have found their voices and mustered up the courage to speak up and say something. Because they did, though they were victimized, they are no longer victims; they are overcomers. They might not feel that way yet, but they are in my eyes. I applaud their strength and I hope each woman who was assaulted finds help toward healing and moving forward with peace.
2. I’m also glad that people who seemingly got pass after pass to behave badly because of their position and power are finally being held accountable. Talent and profit should always be trumped by truth and character. Maybe accountability among the powerful will become more commonplace as a result of these events. I’m hopeful that is the case.

Speaking of accountability, the truth is, we all need it. We may not be high profile predators but we all have struggles and temptations. But we don’t just need accountability because of the possibility of how badly things can go without it – we need it to help us reach our potential. A little accountability can go a long way in keeping us on the right track toward reaching our goals.

Inviting accountability into our spiritual lives is absolutely essential. The beloved Howard Hendricks (aka, “Prof”) from Dallas Theological Seminary used to say that we are all headed to an ultimate final exam and because of that we need to check in on one another and see that we’re staying on track, getting ready for that moment.

The ultimate judgment is not in the eyes of public opinion; it’s in the presence of God. Hebrews 9:27 says, “And as it is appointed unto men once to die, but after this the judgment.”

According to scriptures, judgment will be different for those who do not accept Jesus as Lord and Savior and for those who place their faith in Him.  In the end, unbelievers will ultimately receive judgement for their sin (Rev. 20:15).

On the other hand, believers will be welcomed into His glory. There, in His glory, believers will give account and receive rewards for deeds of service done for His kingdom. This is what Paul was referring to in 2 Corinthians 5:9, “So whether we are at home or away, we make it our aim to please him. For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, so that each one may receive what is due for what he has done in the body, whether good or evil.”

Before God is where each of us will have our ultimate moment of accountability. When I think about that moment I don’t look with disdain at fallen media figures, I look with absolute awe at the Savior who made a way for me to be forgiven of my sin.  And I thank God for my family and friends who encourage me and hold me accountable to stay the course of faith.

For His Glory,