The actions of Coach Mike Gundy, Head Football Coach of the Oklahoma State Cowboys, in a press conference over the weekend, demonstrated his complete frustration with the media pertaining to one of his players. Being a highly visible leader in our culture is not easy at all. The media is a dominant and determining factor in so much of American life. What is shared through any of the venues from the Internet, printed page, or newscast can become “truth to the reader or listener” even if it is not truth. Obviously, this is what Coach Gundy was so concerned about as he demonstrated his concern with the members of the media. I felt so much for him because I identified with his frustration, and yet have never taken the actions he took in that press conference, which were unique to say the least. What I have always tried to remember and know in my heart…

I have discovered there are many wonderful Christian men and women who serve in various media outlets. They have a very difficult job with major pressures placed upon them by various people. As well, the nature of the news today gives us “real time news” on most occasions. We are in a new day in this media world – new for the observers, new for the objects of news, and new for the media professionals themselves. As we carve out our future together, we need to remember a few things.

*Truth is truth – and only truth needs to be shared with complete accuracy and with great sensitivity. Accuracy does not lean to conjecture or spin or personal bias. The accurate truth is what everyone needs to desire. Equally, whatever that “accurate truth” may be needs to be shared with great sensitivity. People have only one life to live on this side of eternity, and all people deserve an element of sensitivity extended to them if they find themselves as newsworthy.

*When you hear, read, or see news, evaluate matters fairly. Insure the provider of news is accurate in content and spirit. As well, weigh “this news” by the greater yardstick which is the long-term reputation of the person or situation that has become newsworthy, of course coupled with the reality of the actual truth itself.

*Be careful not to equate ALL members of the media in a poor manner, when we know many members of the media really desire to serve the public with truth alone. Yes, as in ALL professions, there are people who operate by their own agenda rather than a truth agenda. It happens from media to ministry, from business to entertainment. It happens everywhere, so we need to be wise in our remarks, always honoring people. I know many born again members of the media and respect them greatly. As in all professions today, we need young adults to enter the field of media, ready to demonstrate truth and love in relationship to news.

*As born again Christians, we are held to a higher level than others -whether we are members of the media or recipients of various news stories, we are held to the high level of truth and love. Regardless of what others may say or do, we have a higher standard. We must be committed to the standard of truth and love.

Thankfully, I know what it is like to have members of the media do their jobs in the highest manner by the standard of truth and love. Unfortunately, I also know what it is like to be the subject of poor journalism with bias and spin cast against me. I guess my appeal to you today as it is to myself – let’s gauge all by truth and truth alone. Because it is news does not mean it is truth, and because it is truth does not mean it should be news. My heart is that as born again Christ-followers (whatever our role is in relationship to news), let’s remember that our standard is higher.

Let’s reach for that standard together.