How much news do you consume? How much news should you consume? Why do you consume news? Why should you consume news?
Have you ever considered these questions? If you haven’t, I want to challenge you to develop a theology of news consumption.
I know that might sound strange. A theology of news consumption? Isn’t theology about God, the Bible, heaven… and stuff?
Yes.
But theology isn’t just an academic subject—it’s a framework for how we see and engage with everything in life, including how we consume news.
Our mission as a church is making Jesus #1, one person at a time. I love that phrase because it’s all-encompassing. It invites us to ask: Is Jesus #1 in EVERY area of my life?
Is He in charge of my calendar? Do I use my time in a way that reflects my faith in Him?
Is He Lord over my finances? If someone looked at my bank statements, would they see evidence of my generosity and trust in God?
Is Jesus shaping how I treat my neighbors, how I drive, how I handle conflict, and… how I consume news?
What Does Consuming News Like a Jesus-Follower Look Like?
Maybe it’s easier to start with what it doesn’t look like. If watching or reading the news is making you anxious, angry, self-righteous, or fearful, then something is off. That’s a sign that Jesus might not be at the center of how you engage with current events.
So how should a follower of Jesus consume news?
1. With Discernment – Not everything we read or hear is true or helpful (Proverbs 18:17). Are we seeking reliable sources and fact-checking before reacting? Are we being wise about who and what we allow to shape our worldview?
2. With Peace – Jesus said, “Do not let your hearts be troubled” (John 14:1). If the news is leading us into fear or despair rather than trust in God, we need to check our perspective.
3. With Compassion – Instead of letting bad news harden our hearts, we should let it move us to prayer and action (1 Timothy 2:1-2). Are we praying for our leaders? Are we responding with love instead of cynicism?
4. With a Kingdom Perspective – No government, political system, or world event is outside of God’s control, and no government or political system is perfectly aligned with the Kingdom of God (Psalm 46:1-2). Do we remember that our hope is in Jesus, not in earthly leaders or policies?
5. With Self-Control – News can be addictive. Are we consuming just enough to be informed or are we doom-scrolling and obsessing over headlines in a way that disrupts our peace and purpose?
Let Jesus Shape Every Part of Your Life
The goal isn’t to ignore the world or pretend that hard things aren’t happening. The goal is to be informed without being consumed—to engage without losing sight of the hope we have in Christ.
So, as you go about your week, ask yourself: Is Jesus #1 in how I consume news?
Because when He is, we see everything—including the headlines—through the lens of faith, not fear.
