The Yield: Televised negativity distracts from family, devotions

April 25, 2008 01:03 pm

— I’ve been thinking much about the news lately.
My last deep involvement with news broadcasting was the Scott Peterson chronicle. I was obsessed. I’d hurry housework and meals so I would not miss the latest development.
It was during this time, I began to look at what a negative impact the nightly televised “news” had on me. First, my heart would race during the evening program.
The events occupied my mind for hours after the broadcast. I started deliberating about each character who played a role in the incident. That stole my time and mind.
This was a time Larry required a lot of attention. He seemed troubled by my preoccupation. He cried. Alzheimer’s related or not, Larry never liked that kind of distraction in our lives.
My Bible reading and devotion time was influenced by who I thought was guilty. It disturbed me that I could be so caught up in the hunt for the killer of Scott’s wife and unborn baby.
Could it be that this crime, horrible as it was, should not have dominated the national news? Lawyers seemed to be “stars” in a soap opera. I decided it was time to shut down the cable TV service.
I had quiet. All of a sudden I had more time for scripture. Bible study and devotion time has become more focused. I have an inner peace. That was three years ago.
Instead of being barraged with a steady stream of negative news, I follow Jesus’ simple words, “Love your neighbor as yourself.” It’s fun to be involved with the people, family, friends, neighbors and church acquaintances.
And the peace of God, which passes all understanding, will keep your hearts and mind on Christ Jesus. Whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report, if there be any virtue and if there be any praise; think on these things. Philippians 4:7,8

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