Steeping Ourselves in Truth
The news has changed a lot over the course of our nation’s history—and especially over the past 50 years. When I was a child, most everyone got their news with the morning papers and evening television broadcasts . . . and many had “fair time” policies which mandated that they show opposing viewpoints. But when cable TV came on the scene, news broadcasters started competing with 24-hour entertainment. “Entertainment news” has become even more prevalent with the addition of each new media platform—to our detriment.
These days social media algorithms have created an environment where our news chooses us as much as we choose our news. Are you clicking on news stories from conservative sources? Then the algorithms are feeding you more of those stories and sources with every pause, click, and swipe. Before we know it, we can find ourselves steeped in one perspective, blunting our critical thinking skills at a dangerous pace.
We’re all susceptible to this, so how can we stay sharp and discerning when it comes to seeking truth? We see throughout scripture how God warned His people to stay alert and test false teaching.
Dear friends, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see whether they are from God,
because many false prophets have gone out into the world. – 1 John 4:1
With this goal in mind, here are some ideas for practicing discernment in your news intake.
When you speak to someone about news or politics, silently invite God into the conversation, check your tone, and listen carefully.
We addressed some of these ideas in our recent series on Civil Discourse, but they’re so much easier said than done. In these contentious political times, the issues push against our core values, and tension can stir up emotions like fear and anger. But when someone disagrees with us, remember: This is an opportunity to glimpse inside a human heart.
God’s love motivates us to avoid any hint of sarcasm and listen carefully—
more for their heart than their words.
As I read scripture, I’m convicted by the gravity of God’s command to love others. Here’s more from I John:
Do not be surprised, my brothers and sisters, if the world hates you. We know that we have passed from death to life, because we love each other. Anyone who does not love remains in death. Anyone who hates a brother or sister is a murderer, and you know that no murderer has eternal life residing in him.
– 1 John 3:13-15
2. Spend some time listening to news sources from a different point of view.
Have you ever been genuinely stupefied by someone’s position over a particular political issue? When I find myself in this position, my favorite question to ask is:
“Where do you get your news?
Whether your media intake comes from mainstream “legacy” media or “independent” digital news sources, the truth can become easily skewed. In this climate, we can find ourselves politically polarized from friends and family—even when we share the same Biblical values.
When someone shares a news source with me, I have the opportunity to start an ongoing dialogue with that person. I can even take the conversation to the next level by offering to trade articles or podcast episodes about an issue that’s important to both of us. I know it’s unlikely to change anyone’s mind in one conversation but, hopefully, I can build trust by helping that person feel heard, even when we disagree.
As we grow in understanding one another’s viewpoints, we heal political divides, one person at a time. By challenging our own argument, we also sharpen it—even “testing it” in the spirit of 1 John. Over time, we can influence those around us for the glory of God. I’m encouraged to persevere in this work by the wisdom of Jesus:
“The kingdom of heaven is like yeast that a woman took and mixed into about
sixty pounds of flour until it worked all through the dough.” – Matthew 13:33
Devote more time to the Lord than you do to news or entertainment.
This is a tough one. And even in writing this email, I realize how easy it is for me to devote more time to books, podcasts, social media, and various screens than I do to scripture, prayer, fellowship with God’s people, and service to the Lord.
If it’s been a while since you’ve read the Bible from start to finish, I highly recommend it. I’m amazed by how the whole counsel of God’s word addresses every political issue we deal with today. As I read and study the Bible in a posture of prayer, I ask God questions, confess my sin, intercede for myself and others, and experience the Living Word in a whole new way. God humbles me with His presence, He shows me His way forward (instead of my own), He renews my joy for His people and replaces my contempt for others with compassion. Most importantly, He deepens my understanding of His heart and character.
Even as I write these words, I’m inspired by His Spirit to challenge myself. What if I spent one week devoting more time to Him than I do to screens and media? What about one day?
