The Price of An Apology

Two events in the local media world took place almost side-by-side over the last 4 weeks. One involved a very popular game show host while the other involved a highly respected writer. Both committed offenses to certain people and both, unfortunately, bungled their attempts at restitution.

"Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others." Philippians 2:3-4

Too bad CTRL+Z doesn't exist in real life.

Both the TV host's and the writer's apologies fired back on them because they were half-hearted and self-serving.   The host is hated by thousands with an almost unquenchable rage, while the writer has all but ruined his stellar reputation in the industry and might forever be known as a "jackass".

Of the various things that disturb me about all this is how these characters each had large and wide reaches into the consciousness of society.  Sometimes, I wonder if all the people who have put themselves in the public's eye got there on purpose.  Did they want it or will it?  Granted, of course, some of them did.  Regardless of the intent, not all of them seem to know or even care that Influence and Responsibility always go together.  To a certain extent, how you regard both also affects your Legacy.  If we all lived our lives every day with a full awareness of our legacy -- of what we will leave behind -- I am pretty sure that we would all live a lot more wisely, prudently, and unselfishly.  Especially for people in the public's eye, a daily consciousness of one's legacy might make them appreciate and regard with utmost humility the privilege they have been given.  Of course it's daunting because fans/haters will have all sorts of expectations but, such is the price of fame.

Likewise, such is the price of an apology that aims only to cover sins.  "Sorry" is hard to say only when pride is preventing you from truly feeling sorrowful for the mistake you made.  If you're really sorry, then you shouldn't only apologize but also correct what you have done.  Make amends, seek reconciliation, regain favor and trust.  Change should occur, otherwise it's all just fluff.

"Above all, my brothers and sisters, do not swear—not by heaven or by earth or by anything else. All you need to say is a simple 'Yes' or 'No'. Otherwise you will be condemned." James 5:12

Image source here.