If we were to look at one of today’s magazines, we would find a majority of ads that contain the words you, me or I. Some of them have nothing to do with the product other than the logo. They might have a picture of a female, a drink or perhaps a car. The goal of marketers is to reach certain age groups, genders and hobbyists. Those who work within the media understand what it means to connect with a certain criteria.
Now, if we were to look at the Bible, we see more servanthood, humbleness and putting one’s self last. The Bible tells us that one of the greatest commandments is to love your neighbor as yourself. This outlook is rarely seen today. Furthermore, it tells us that if we put ourselves last, we shall be first in Christ’s eyes. We are told that we are not to be caught up in the things of this world but to direct our focus upward toward Christ.
Another aspect of the media is the ability to access practically anything. The average age when a male first encounters pornography is age 12. The appalling nature of this fact is outrageous. While society may frown on pornography, little is being done about it. Yes, parents are able to set up parental controls, but it does not completely hinder the ability to gain access. Young women are told the only way to be considered beautiful is to look like those portrayed on television and in magazines.
The Bible tells us that we are to guard our hearts and protect our eyes and minds from what we see, hear and think. It also tells us that we are fearfully and wonderfully made. God sees us as beautiful creations because He sees us through the perfect blood of His Son. While the media has unlimited resources, the Bible is the ultimate resource. We find information about every aspect of life that will affect our eternal lives.
Third, the media sets the standard for children and young adults today. Kids are able to look up to someone in a celebrity spotlight and create an image of what they are supposed to be. Young adults watch a movie, listen to a song, and flip through a magazine and are presented with an idea of perfection. The media strategically place ads that essentially say, “Have this body, and get this girl!”
The Bible, however, has given us the perfect standard in Jesus Christ. We read that there is no temptation we face that Christ did not face Himself. This has to be encouraging. We have a perfect picture of the perfect Human. While we never can be perfect, we have a perfect example to follow, which gives us hope that there is a way out and that the media does not dictate who we are or should become. Jesus Christ, the perfect Man, is our hope.
It should concern us when we look at what influences young adults and students. However, we also should be very grateful they still have the perfect influence in Christ. The media is changing rapidly. New celebrities are emerging. New songs are coming out and being played. Yet the Bible, Christ and God haven’t changed and never will. The only way to help our young people is point them to Christ.
