“Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is pure, whatever is right, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things” (Philippians 4:8).
I don’t know about you, but I think there are way too many talk shows and reality shows. Rather than being instructive or entertaining, I find such programs stir up dissension, using high-definition to showcase our penchant for gossip, slander, hyperbole, jealousy, envy, covetousness, division, quarrels, idolatry, and moral relativism. The evening news programs are hardly any better, filled to the brim with bad news emanating from a fallen world.
Ironically, we research the social and psychological damage caused our youth by violent computer games and movies but ignore the effects of living in a violent, self-centered, anything is allowed world as expressed in our national media—whether by news, reality, or talk shows. And the effects are not just against our young people; the toll such programs levy on each of us is staggering.
All such programs offer opinions on what is wrong with our world, its citizens, its classes and ethnicities, its purpose, and its randomness. Those opinions seldom portray a Christian view-point.
Many Christians respond to this in anger, pounding the Bible and pouring out condemnation. They become part of the spectacle, and television and radio producers joyfully display them on the evening news. The judgment of God is offered to a troubled world as Job’s friends offered him comfort.
A “sound-bite” will never win the hearts and minds of people on matters of faith. But I believe there is a better way.
Matt Maher, a contemporary Christian singer/songwriter (listen to his music—it will inspire and bless you), said that Jesus’ interaction with everyday people was usually positive and not combative. Jesus, in grace and truth, preached “good news.”
This week my business led me to a leadership conference where this morning a marketing executive reminded us of a fundamental marketing truth: Successful brands gain customers because their advertising inspires others to crave their products and services in a way that touches real life. The woman at the well exclaimed of Christ, “He told me everything that I ever did,” and many people that heard her went out to see for themselves and came to believe in Jesus (John 4:39). Jesus touched her life and she could not be constrained.
Jesus still offers hope, rest, strength, courage, and peace. His message, now entrusted to us to offer to others, is still the same; we are the bearers of “good news” in a dark and dreary land.
In light of what we see on television and hear on radio, it may be hard to imagine Jesus’ message will resonate with anyone. Paraphrasing the Apostle Paul, “many people today demand miraculous signs and are looking for human wisdom to overcome the depravity of our world. But we preach Christ crucified: a stumbling block and foolishness to those who are perishing, but to those whom God has called, Christ the power of God and the wisdom of God” (1 Corinthians 1:22-24). We preach a God who so loved the world that He gave His only Son as a sacrifice to redeem us.
The next time you are affronted by a world-view opposed to the truth you know in Christ, seek to advance the conversation with the example of Jesus rather than devolving into argument. “Do everything without complaining or arguing so that you may become blameless and pure, children of God without fault in a crooked and depraved generation in which you shine like stars in the universe as you hold out the word of life” (Philippians 2:14-16a).