Quite often I hear someone say, “I don’t watch the news any more; it only depresses me.” Truth is, nobody watches real news anymore because what the world calls news these days has morphed into, at best, a politically motivated commentary on the news. Those who still indulge, simply connect with the news darlings that make them feel good about their own perspective of our ever evolving geo-political environment. Watching or reading most news media is like attending a pep rally for the mob.
Perhaps it is this same disdain for anything contrary to what we think or feel that has caused many to despise the church. To save face and fill the pews (and the coffers) many churches have become the venue for religious pep rallies that make every effort to “scratch where it itches.” Those who have become disheartened with “religion,” either don’t attend, or attend where they are encouraged to feel good about themselves and the contorted philosophies that they have chosen to live by. Again, like a personal pep rally that makes me feel good about who I am and what I choose to do.
Let’s imagine being able to make both the news media and churches, places where only unbiased truth is reported without the spin. There would be good news to cheer the heart, and happy events that cause us to feel good about the prospects of our future and that of our children. There would also be the clear presentation of unbiased facts pertaining to what is wrong in the world. We would be made aware of what is required of us to reverse the trends that lead to destruction and effectively clean up our act. The truth encompasses both the positive and the negative, the happy and the sad, the encouraging and the challenging realities of life on earth.
God never intended for His church to dispense the truth with a spin. He desires for us to know the untainted truth, which sometimes serves as a rebuke and at other times encourages us to keep up the good work. Either way, it IS the TRUTH, and as Jesus said, “The truth shall make you free!”