The Ubiquitous Influence of Media
Imagine a typical day in the life of an American adult. The alarm blares, and the morning news floods the airwaves. Breakfast is accompanied by the rustling of newspapers and the hum of the TV in the background. The commute to work is filled with the chatter of radio talk shows, and the office is abuzz with coworkers discussing the latest celebrity gossip. Even lunch breaks are filled with the glow of screens, as people scroll through their phones or watch videos on their laptops.
The Mediasphere
We’re surrounded by media, and it’s hard to escape its influence. One author has even coined the term “mediasphere” to describe the cultural environment we live in. The media has become an integral part of our lives, shaping our thoughts, desires, and values. But as Christians, we can’t afford to take its presence lightly. We must be aware of the media’s power to shape our hearts and minds.
The Power of Television and Film
Television and film are perhaps the most influential forms of media. They have the power to shape our cultural narrative and influence our values. One Christian observer notes that television is not only the dominant medium of popular culture but also the single most significant shared reality in our society. Its impact is comparable to the influence of Christianity centuries ago.
Evaluating Media Messages
But it’s not enough to acknowledge the media’s influence. We must also evaluate the content of its messages and the consequences of its influence. The media’s messages are nothing new; they’re the same temptations that the apostle John wrote about two thousand years ago: the desires of the flesh, the desires of the eyes, and pride in possessions. We must recognize that the media’s messages are often at odds with God’s Word and can lead us away from Him.
A Lifestyle of Careless Viewing
Many of us don’t think twice about what we watch or how much we watch. We assume that we’re immune to the media’s influence, but this assumption is dangerous. A lifestyle of careless viewing can lead to a dulling of our conscience and a drift toward worldliness. We must be intentional about what we watch and how we watch it.
The Battle for Our Hearts
The media’s influence is a battle for our hearts. We must recognize that our hearts are deceitful and prone to self-deception. We’re more easily tempted than we think, and the media can be a powerful temptation. But we’re not powerless. We can resist the media’s influence by being mindful of our viewing habits and seeking to glorify God in all that we do.
A Grace-Motivated Approach
So how do we approach media consumption in a way that honors God? We begin by recognizing that we live coram Deo, before the face of God. We make our choices with God’s holy face in view, and we’re accountable to Him in all things. We must run to the cross, where God’s holiness and mercy intersect, and seek His grace to empower us to change.
Conclusion
The media’s influence is a powerful force in our lives, but it doesn’t have to control us. By being mindful of its influence, evaluating its messages, and seeking to glorify God in all that we do, we can resist its temptation and live lives that honor Him.
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