Over the course of the last few weeks, we have seen some high profile individuals removed from their positions of leadership due to their reproachful comments and actions.

Individuals that are in a place of power, respect, or authority are and should be held to a greater level of responsibility. There has been a great deal of tension surrounding the dismissal of Rosanne Barr due to her inappropriate comments. There are many people who feel that her removal by the studio was unfair and perhaps a double standard. Yes, our country often has a double standard, but we all must understand that there are consequences for every action or lack thereof. Rather than focus on how we feel, there is a double standard we must advocate for, encourage the justice that has taken place and encourage such decisions to be made in all cases.

A ship is controlled by the rudder, a very small device that directs the movement of a giant vessel. Similarly, our tongue can direct the course of our days and even our lives. Because our words have the ability to inflict such harm we must seek to maintain that our words are above reproach.

The firing of Paige Patterson is another situation in which we see the words and actions of an individual relieving him from his position of leadership. Patterson, the president of Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary and a very powerful evangelical leader, mishandled and even trivialized reported sexual assault cases.

What these very two different stories can help us see and understand is that our words and actions have consequences and the only way to avoid these not so wonderful alternatives is to live our lives above reproach. There needs to be accountability for those we look to in society whether they are a pop-culture icon or leader of any kind. Those who are in powerful places of leadership have a great responsibility. With that responsibility comes the grave consequence of accountability.

As we look at two people who have been disbarred of their popularity we must keep in mind that the consequences of their actions are just and warranted. We must seek to encourage accountability as we live, both in our lives and the lives of those we look to as leaders. By holding individuals of authority accountable we will create an environment of integrity and prosperity.

When all is said and done the only actions we can be responsible for are our own. Keeping this in mind we can be the change that we wish to see in our world. By living with integrity and advocating for justice and equality through accountability we will see the world around us change.