What is the deepest problem in America? What needs to be done to bring peace to a globe riddled with strife, poverty and violence? These are some of the massive life-defining questions to which Christianity has answers. But Christianity is not alone in claiming insight into the struggles humanity faces and the solutions we desperately need. A host of other religions and worldviews compete for our attention and acceptance.

In this post, I want to focus on one sector that presents a vehicle for ideas, insights and solutions to the issues we face: the news media. By this broad title I am referring to talk radio, internet, television networks and hosts who report news and especially those who present opinions on current events. 

Why am I focusing here? Because I watch Christians allow the media to shape the way they look at what is going on in America and the world. Many Christians spend hours each week listening to radio hosts break down a political policy and why they think it is good or bad, or talk television hosts, as they explain how a particular political candidate will get our nation back on track. Sounds good right?

Here is my word of caution. Beware of any worldview that presents anything other than human sinfulness as the ultimate problem and Jesus Christ’s life, death and resurrection as the ultimate solution. When was the last time you saw the Christian worldview on the most popular TV and radio networks or internet news platforms? The last time I saw it was when pro football player Benjamin Watson was mysteriously dropped mid-sentence when presenting Jesus as the solution to the underlying sin and pride as the cause of racism.

If you take the side of those in the mainstream news media, you will believe that what is ultimately wrong with America is the Democrats or the Republicans. Their ultimate solution to America’s problems is to get the right individuals elected and enact the appropriate policies. On a global scale, they may propose that we fight for more democratic forms of government.

As a Christian, we must recognize that it’s no different than a false religion when we place our trust in anything other than Christ as our solution. It’s an unbiblical, anti-Christian worldview. To say that only a particular group of people are the problem is to shift the blame for sin whichall of us, as humans, share (Rom. 3:23). To present anything other than Christ as the ultimate solution is, in essence, idolatry. It is to say that humanity itself can solve the greatest problems it faces.

Let me clarify something before I finish. I am not saying that political action, good candidates, and policies are not important or helpful. What I am saying is that there is a far deeper issue that humanity faces, beyond an opposing political party. Unless we solve this problem, which can only happen through Jesus Christ, all the sincerest efforts of humanity will be as futile as getting a camel to go through the eye of a needle.

Romans 12:2 says, “And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God.”

God’s Word is clear here. The Christian does not automatically view things through the right lenses. Each of us needs to be continually transformed by the renewing of our minds. Why? So that we will be able to discern God’s will and see things the way He sees them—with clarity. This will not happen if we spend more time watching the news and listening to talk radio than we spend in our Bibles and in prayer, carefully studying and applying God’s Word to our lives and pleading with God to give us wisdom.

So instead of letting your opinions be shaped by your favorite TV or talk radio show host, ask yourself, “What does the Bible say about this? How would Jesus have me to think and respond to this situation or event?” Search the Scriptures. Pray for your leaders. Immerse your mind continually in God’s Word. Allow it to shape your thinking.  Compare the perspective you are gaining from the Bible with the perspectives coming from the news media. The more we do this in God’s strength, the more we will be able to accurately represent Jesus to our world that so urgently needs Him.