The Proof of our Priorities

I consult a variety of news sources on a near daily basis, for local, national, and international coverage. For national and international news, I typically visit the websites for CNN, Fox News, and MSNBC, which provides a wide spectrum of viewpoints.  In today's visits I was struck by the realization that each network's leading story is proof of its priorities, which prompted me to consider how I demonstrate what the priorities are in my own life.

First, CNN headlines with "Teens beat WWII veteran to death."  This is the tragic story of two Spokane, Washington teenagers who allegedly used flashlights to kill an 88-year old man who was sitting in his car. The network comments that this is the second apparent random killing by teenagers in the past week, the other case involving three teenagers who shot and killed an Australian baseball player who was jogging in Oklahoma.  Choosing this for its leading story tells me that CNN wants to prioritize the issue of teenage violence in the U.S.

Second, Fox News opens with the following story: "Sources:  Benghazi Search Unit Pulled."  The backstory for this account derives from the brutal attack in Benghazi, Libya which lead to the deaths of four Americans, including Ambassador Christopher Stevens.  Suspects were recently charged with their murders and a team was sent to locate and arrest said suspects, but a large segment of this search/arrest team has apparently made a permanent exit out of Libya.  This leading story suggests that the folks at Fox News wants to prioritize our governmen'ts actions, or the lack thereof, in this entire situation.

Lastly, MSNBC leads with "Vegas cop-killing plot reveals shady group."  This is a story about a couple who identify themselves as "Sovereign Citizens" that were planning to kidnap and kill Las Vegas police officers. The priority revealed in the choice of this story demonstrates the editors' belief that those who hold anti-government beliefs are a threat to our nation's security.

These three varied headlining news stories reminds me that both institutions-- and individuals-- inevitably prove what their priorities really are by what they say or do not say, how they say it, and when they say it.  I will leave the analysis of these networks' stories and agendas up to each person who peruses their reports, but I do think it behooves all of us to consider his or her own words and actions and how they demonstrate what is really important in our lives.  Even the topics I choose to write about on this blog are telling about what I consider to be important.  Now that is sobering!

The Bible, in speaking of the Lord Jesus Christ, says, "...He is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead, that in everything He might be preeminent" (Colossians 1:18).  Merriam-Webster's Dictionary defines preeminent as "having paramount rank, dignity, or importance." The question for each of us, then, is this:  "What is preeminent, what takes first place, in my life?"  But rather than saying what are priorities are, how about we ask others to tell us what they are?  For people can read us just as easily as they can any website, perhaps more so. 

Who is perusing my life today?  What is my "headline" story?   What is yours?  May it be Christ Jesus and Him alone.