In the television show Undercover Boss, many times the chief executive officer finds out that his or her company is not operating as expected. This is not surprising since many of the executives have limited contact with the employees that actually provide the service. I will give you an example of an imaginary company XYZ.

John Smith, 30 years ago had a fantastic idea of providing a special service xyz to the public. His first year, he spent most of his money and his time in providing this service to as many people that he could personally meet. In time, he was able to gain and retain many satisfied customers. This growth provided him the opportunity to hire and train a few people to sell his special service xyz. As time went on, he was able to hire and supervise others to provide this special service. John was able to concentrate on the growth and revenue of the company, thinking that his special service was delivered in the same fashion that he had done thirty years ago.

But suppose the executives under John did not have the same vision as John, and began to deviate from John’s initial plans. The company continued to grow despite the less than ideal service to the public. John seeing the growth and revenue, was satisfied that his vision of thirty years ago was expanding. John continued to pay his executive staff yearly raises for their efforts. Also with the extravagant salary provided by the company, John was able to donate to his community and church, and is held in high esteem by the community.

This is a fictional character, but would God hold John accountable for the mediocre service xyz provided to the public? Is it John’s responsibility to find out if the service provided is the same service he provided 30 years ago? Would God only hold accountable the executives under John?

This is why God may hold any one who has supervision or authority more accountable for their actions or inactions because their decisions may influence the lives of many people. The lack of knowledge of what is happening does not let one escape from the watchful eyes of God. John, our imaginary CEO may feel confident that God will bless him; but God may have a different plan.

Heaven’s Truth Church/Tenrikyo Church