Craig Swope
Having spent most of my career in media, my personal antenna is high on media matters.
There is no doubt that what passes for mainstream media is regrouping. Having seen an erosion of trust from consumers, they are paying the consequences for their sin.
Lay-offs are widespread. The bottom-line has been hit and the board meetings are in rooms with more questions than answers. How did this happen? I believe it is the sin of self-delusion that is a close cousin of pride.
Not only was the erosion of mainstream media a surprise to those inside the bubble, it was absolutely predictable. Those outside the bubble are not surprised. Their predicament was as predictable as tomorrow's sunrise.
God is faithful. The sun rises every morning, but he warns us that sin has consequences. He also promises that when we get off track, he will welcome us home. Most of us practice self-delusion. Eve didn’t think the fruit was that big of deal. Bathsheba caught David’s eye.
The rich man concluded that his possessions were worth more than paradise. Peter knew he would never deny Christ, but he did. How do we avoid self-delusion?
1 John 1:8 says, "If we claim to be without sin, we deceive ourselves and the truth is not in us." One of the benefits of regular involvement in a local church is the recognition that we are sinners in need of each other to deal with delusion and more. More important than each other, we need to acknowledge the truth of Christ. He was the word.
What better standard to use than his life and teaching to help us find our purpose. To help us get back on track. To help us be drawn to more light than darkness. The good news is we can get back on track.
So, while the mainstream media is in “what’s next?” mode, what’s next for us? When the consequences of our delusion give more questions than answers, the best place to find those answers is in the arms of a loving father.
Craig Swope is an elder of First Christian Church in Carson City and associate pastor of Alpine Christian Community Church in Woodfords.