While folding a load of jeans, I saw a beautiful necklace that would match my new blue dress perfectly. Then as I dusted, the show host convinced me that I simply must have the latest and greatest kitchen chopper-dicer. But before I could get to the phone to order, the host introduced Today’s Special—a five-piece skin care kit that promised to reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles in only ten days—and the shipping and handling were free!

Although I had made valid and useful purchases from shopping channels in the past, something wasn’t right here. As I reached for the phone, the Holy Spirit interrupted my potential spending spree long enough for me to realize just how easily I had been influenced by the media that day.

Everywhere we go we are bombarded with billboards, magazines, music, newspapers—all kinds of ways for advertisers to convince us that we need whatever they’re trying to sell. Sometimes various media are not only marketing a product but also selling a mind-set and their own values and agenda. Certain networks and newspapers are known for being liberal or conservative.

Be aware of the bias in what you are hearing and seeing. Pray for wisdom and ask God to help you filter through the smoke screen so you can see the truth.