The Media as a Mountain of Influence

WHAT IS MEDIA:

Media refers to a diverse range of communication channels that transmit information, ideas, and entertainment to a wide audience. It includes print, broadcast, and digital platforms like, websites, and social media. Media is a vital tool for communication, impacting public discourse, culture, and the exchange of ideas globally.

THE MEDIA MOUNTAIN

Media is a powerful influence on society. It plays a crucial role in shaping public opinion, disseminating information, and influencing people’s attitudes and behaviors.

The media mountain is a bridge to all other spheres of influence and the conveyor belt that links them with the world! (Reminds me of the song….  go tell it on the mountain, over the hills and everywhere)

It has the power to determine which issues and topics receive attention and coverage. By highlighting certain stories and downplaying or ignoring others, the media sets the agenda for discussions and debates.

Like a towering mountain, the media stands as a prominent force that can sway perspectives, raise awareness, and inspire action.

POSITIVE EFFECTS OF MEDIA

1. Wide Reach and Accessibility:

Enables the message of God to reach a larger and more diverse audience, transcending geographical boundaries.

Mark 16:15
He said to them, “Go into all the world and preach the gospel to all creation. (NIV)

2. Amplifying the Message:

It amplifies the message of God, making it more accessible, memorable, and shareable.

Romans 10:17
Consequently, faith comes from hearing the message, and the message is heard through the word about Christ. (NIV)

3. Community Building and Encouragement:

It provides opportunities for believers to connect, support one another, and encourage spiritual growth.

Hebrews 10:24-25
And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, 25 not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching.(NIV)

 NEGATIVE EFFECTS ON THE MEDIA

1. Distortion and Misinterpretation:

Inaccurate or misinterpreted teachings can be spread through media, leading to confusion, or misunderstanding of God’s Word.

2 Peter 3:16

He writes the same way in all his letters, speaking in them of these matters. His letters contain some things that are hard to understand, which ignorant and unstable people distort, as they do the other Scriptures, to their own destruction. (NIV)

2. Superficiality and Dilution of Faith:

Media can sometimes present a shallow or diluted version of faith, focusing on entertainment rather than deeper spiritual truths.

2 Timothy 4:3-4

For the time will come when people will not put up with sound doctrine. Instead, to suit their own desires, they will gather around them a great number of teachers to say what their itching ears want to hear. 4 They will turn their ears away from the truth and turn aside to myths.

3. Distraction and Overconsumption:

Media can become a source of distraction and overconsumption, diverting attention from personal study and reflection on God’s Word.

Luke 10:38-42 The Story of Martha and Mary, when Jesus came to their home.

PRACTICES TO ADOPT

While media is good, it’s essential to approach it with discernment, seeking to align it with the principles and teachings found in the Bible. When it comes to using media to spread the word of God, it is important to recognize the potential benefits and challenges associated with it.

Media can be a powerful tool; However, it can also be susceptible to distortion and distraction. So, we must prioritize the integrity and truth of the message of God.

To navigate these complexities, it is crucial to promote biblical literacy. By emphasizing the study of God’s Word, believers can maximize the positive impact of media in spreading the word of God while mitigating the potential negative aspects.

Some of the practices to adopt include:

• Encouraging individuals to engage in personal Bible study, allowing them to develop a strong foundation in the Word of God. This helps believers discern accurate teachings and detect any distortions or misinterpretations they may encounter through media.
• Encourage critical thinking and discernment when consuming media. Teach believers to evaluate messages against the teachings of the Bible, ensuring that the content aligns with biblical truth (1 John 4:1).
• Promote and support media outlets, programs, and resources that are committed to presenting accurate, well-grounded, and biblically sound teachings. This may involve partnering with reliable organizations or supporting individuals who have a solid reputation for their commitment to scriptural integrity.
• Encourage believers to actively participate in media creation. This could involve producing high-quality, biblically grounded content such as podcasts, videos, or written materials that provide accurate teachings and thoughtful reflections on faith.
• Encourage accountability among media creators and consumers. Hold media outlets, influencers, and individuals responsible for the messages they disseminate. Constructive feedback and dialogue can help maintain the integrity of the message of God.
• Encourage believers to strike a balance between media consumption and personal spiritual disciplines such as prayer, meditation, and study of the Word of God. Emphasize the importance of personal reflection and seeking God’s guidance in addition to media engagement.

CONCLUSION

The media holds tremendous power as a means of communication that reaches a vast audience. However, there are concerns about it promoting negative elements like wickedness, immorality, and false ideologies.

The Bible mentions the “prince of the power of the air,” (Ephesians 2:2) symbolically referring to Satan’s influence over the media, which can lead people into disobedience. The media can be a platform that perpetuates darkness and keeps individual’s captive to worldly ways.

In the example of the soldiers guarding Jesus’ tomb, a false report was spread by those in authority who bribed the soldiers. This highlights how money is invested in the media to propagate lies and manipulate public opinion. (Matthew 28:11-15)

As a church, we should consider the significance of the media as a tool available to us. Instead of wasting energy on fruitless conflicts, we have the opportunity to utilize the media to influence and propagate the gospel of the kingdom of God. By investing resources in the right channels, we can make a positive impact and reach a broader audience for Christ and His kingdom.

Click on the link below for more of what’s happening on this mountain.
https://www.youtube.com/live/Yw2pcAjMRQQ?feature=share

Author:
Tushabe Susan Haley