When I open my news station’s website, almost all news articles are negative happenings - shootings, robberies, critical vehicle accidents, etc. The next are more or less “entertainment” articles which are usually about the wild lives of current social media people, actors, or athletes. When I get to the bottom of the page, I see the benign articles. Why is it that the media chooses the negative over the positive? Is it because this is what entertains us, excites us, motivates us or even worse/better – influences us?

We are all attracted to shocking information and how we respond is usually on target with what the media probably expects. So, if we read an article about a fatal car accident, do we say, “I bet the driver was under the influence or texting…” or do we immediately stop and pray regardless of who did what?

It is important is how we respond to this type of information and what we do with it. Ephesians 6:12 says, "For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms." Also, Ephesians 4:29 tells us, “Let no corrupting talk come out of your mouths, but only such as is good for building up, as fits the occasion, that it may give grace to those who hear.” While the media may control what is put out there first and in abundance, don’t allow that influence to change your perspective on how you respond to the information. Pray for the individuals and pray for the truth and pray God’s will to prevail over it all. When you are discussing the current events, do so in such a way that others are also first in prayer over the news. Let’s do our part to change the narrative in the negative. Tragic events bring us closer to God and from that relationship with Him, we must find the blessings and use that for His good moving forward.

Blessings,

Marcia K. Gibney
Director of Recreation Ministry