We wake up and read it, watch it, listen to it. Some of us do this multiple times a day. We talk about it to those around us. It can make us sad, angry, or scared. Sometimes it makes us happy or brings a smile to our faces. What is it? Sadly, it is not the Bible. It is the news, the internet, the media. They are an intricate part of today's society. But have you ever noticed that the majority of news being reported is negative? Its full of natural disasters, financial crisis, wars, crimes, and the list goes on. Occasionally they will report a heart-warming story that makes us smile. The news influences us whether we like it or not.
With this being an election year, people will be paying close attention. The media knows we pay attention to what they say. And many take what they report at face value. After all, they are the experts and they know. Wrong! They are people just like us. Reporters report news and sometimes they get it wrong. Sometimes they only hear and report one side to a story. Sometimes their own opinions influence how they report news.
Take this past Saturday for example. You may or may not know that the media began reporting the Joe Paterno, the Penn State coach, had died. It was on the internet news, sports news, etc. But they were wrong! The family informed them that he was in grave condition but had not died. Sunday afternoon, the headlines again read that he passed away. But this time it was true.
My prayer is that the people will use the resources available to validate some of the news stories we hear, especially with the presidential election coming. I ask that God would give us all discernment, that we won't believe everything we hear.
Next time you hear “news”, take a moment to get the facts. Don't let your judgments be clouded by biased opinions.
Hosea 4:6 “My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge”.
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