The failure to use media for good can have as significant an impact as deliberately using it for evil.

Media: Mass influence on North Americaz

No one can doubt the significant influence that the media has on America. A haunting question for Christians is how we need to respond. It has been left to our generation to be stewards of such awesome tools as the printed page, television, radio, videos, movies, music and now the Internet.

In the midst of all this we must remember that our sovereign Lord has granted permission for it. He knows how it can be used for great good. But, He also knows it can be used for great evil. The failure to use media for good can have as significant an impact as deliberately using it for evil.

Our Lord told His disciples that God had granted to them to know the mysteries of the kingdom of heaven (Matthew 13:11, NASB). He said it had not been given to the world. We can know, clearly and thoroughly, what God is doing in our world.

A key truth for the Christian is in Matthew 13. Our Lord told His disciples that God had granted to them to know the mysteries of the kingdom of heaven (Matthew 13:11, NASB). He said it had not been given to the world. We can know, clearly and thoroughly, what God is doing in our world. This is especially significant where evil grows continually worse. The prophet announced that when evil comes in like a flood, God will raise up a banner against it. His people are the ones to whom He reveals this. Jesus added carefully, blessed are your eyes because they see, and your ears because they hear (Matthew 13:16, NASB). Jesus also revealed, in word and deed, that He was the way, the truth, and the life (John 14:6, NASB). This is very significant when it comes to understanding the media!

In its fullest sense, the media has an enormous capacity to create make-believe, affect attitudes and shape values. Only the Spirit of God can sensitize a Christian with discernment.

What are some of the potential dangers in the media?

1. They have an almost unrestricted capacity to shape the values of a nation for evil.
2. They can perilously distort the truth with partial information, selected reporting and slanted opinions.
3. The media often thrives on make-believe. Hollywood can create movies and videos so one can hardly tell what is real.

What are some potential benefits of the media?

1. They can give us accurate information about our world, especially concerning tragedies. This can create compassion with truth, leading God's people to respond in love.
2. Media give God's people an extensive opportunity to communicate the gospel with integrity. People "behind closed doors" can have access to the gospel.
3. The media can create an opportunity to influence people for good to counteract the evil. This must be done carefully, with holy integrity.
4. Media, granted by God for our day, can be guided by God for His purpose through His people, if we retain vital obedience to Him and sensitivity to His leading.
5. The Holy Spirit can use the media as an early warning system for sensitive leaders of God's people.

Finally, what can we as God's people do in an age of mass media?

1. Avoid all appearance of evil. Paul urged, whatsoever things are pure … think on these things (Philippians 4:8).
2. Discover and encourage all that is holy, wholesome and good. Wholesome media can strengthen our families and our witness and can be used to influence non-believers through our churches.
3. Do not compromise! A little sin is still sin and has the capacity to hurt and destroy. A little sin is never minor in its influence or effect.
4. Demonstrate clearly the positive truth of an abundant life in Christ. Determine to overcome evil with good (Romans 12:21).
5. Avoid the world's values in your church. Unwisely, we can condition people to accept the changing values of the world as "normal" until sin doesn't seem dangerous anymore. The videos in our homes and churches (especially at youth events) must maintain the highest values that honor God.

Only God can guide us to use media in His way&emdashto bring people to know Him. As with all things granted by God, we must use media wisely.

The author of Experiencing God, Henry Blackaby is special assistant to the president, for Prayer and Spiritual Awakening, North American Mission Board.