What’s happening to journalistic integrity?
I’ve dabbled in the art of writing for most of my adult life. In the late 1970s while working full time, I arduously spent the evenings completing my Master of Arts in Management from Claremont Graduate School.
Most of my professors required term papers to demonstrate what we gleaned from their weekly lectures. I’ll always be grateful for one particular elective course, Management Writing, which was instrumental in training me in a more effective method to communicate the written word.
That one course proved invaluable in corporate life and later in my insurance career. Over the past 45 years, I’ve gradually honed my writing skills.
The Importance of Truth
There was a time I even considered switching my profession to marketing and advertising, where I planned to use those creative juices to promote worthwhile products for reputable firms.
In hindsight, I’m glad I’ve remained in an industry in which I can truly serve the needs of my clients. Personally, these days I’ve come to question truth in advertising!
God’s Word, the Bible, is filled with Truth.
In fact, in John 14:6 we read “Jesus answered, ‘I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.’”
You see, all truth comes from the Father, Son and Holy Spirit. And those who follow Him are bound to remain truthful.
Dangers of Falsehood
Sadly, many in this world give no credence to telling the truth in what they write and what they say.
Then again, what we’re really dealing with is proud and arrogant hearts that constantly convey false narratives for their own personal gain without concern for what is true!
Journalistic integrity requires substantial research and discipline. It was once an honorable profession. Many use the term quite loosely to describe their profession as reporters, columnists or newscasters.
Fictional accounts swayed toward ideological views and preferences have no place in presenting information to the public. Propaganda has unfortunately taken hold in America and we all must be wary of what we ingest.
Sadly, ideological views and opinions are often declared to be the gospel truth.
In Zechariah 8:14-17, the prophet powerfully proclaims to those who returned to Jerusalem after the Babylonian captivity what the Lord expected of them as they were tasked with rebuilding the wall around their homeland.
These people had been humbled during their captivity. Perhaps we can learn some lessons on truth through Zechariah’s words to God’s people:
“This is what the Lord Almighty says: ‘Just as I had determined to bring disaster upon you and showed no pity when your fathers angered me,‘ says the Lord Almighty, ‘so now I have determined to do good again to Jerusalem and Judah. Do not be afraid. These are the things you are to do: Speak the truth to each other, and render true and sound judgment in your courts, do not plot evil against your neighbor, and do not love to swear falsely. I hate all this,’ declares the Lord.”
Be aware of the enemy’s lies conveyed by those who spread stories and write commentaries that deceive the masses! I pray you will discern right from wrong and follow God’s Word.