About 20 years ago I read a little known book called, 'How the News Makes Us Dumb.'
What a great read!
The main idea of the book is not that the news is dumb, but we're dumb for giving it so much attention.
The news thrives on sharing the latest information... much of which has fleeting or no value.
The news also tends to skew our view of what's important...
... by over-emphasizing how tragedies, politics, government decisions and celebrities impact the quality of our individual lives.
Further...
The news has a way of putting you in a constant 'fight or flight' mode... as it stokes your fears and revs you up for some new battle.
And of course, the news rarely -- if ever -- mentions God's role in our lives... and weightier matters such as repentance, faith and righteousness.
In short, while the news fills us with information, it doesn't make us wise...
And since we all need a lot of wisdom these days, I encourage you to join me in a 'coronavirus news challenge.'
The challenge basically amounts to this:
Make a point to reduce your news consumption, especially now... and take more time to reflect, pray, read a book, etc... along with other things that will actually improve your situation.
Go ahead and get a daily news update... but give greater attention to activities that will strengthen you ... and those around you -- spiritually, emotionally, mentally and physically.
And be sure to make the Lord the center of it all.
'For the Lord gives wisdom; from his mouth come knowledge and understanding' (Pr.2:6)