In an age where social media spreads messages faster than ever, every Christian is now a media commentator. Steve Cox asks you, will your words add to the noise, or point to Christ through truth, hope, kindness, and perspective?

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When Jesus gave his disciples the Great Commission — “Go into all the world and make disciples of all nations” (Matthew 28:19) — he wasn’t only talking about distant lands. He was sending them wherever people gather, speak, and share ideas. Today, one of the biggest gathering places isn’t physical — it’s digital. And in this increasingly crowded space, we are all media commentators. 

You don’t need a TV studio or a newspaper column to be one. Every post, share, retweet, and WhatsApp forward is a form of commentary. Each of us is shaping the way others see the world. The question is: what kind of commentary are we offering? 

The challenge is simple: will our commentary add to the noise, or will it bear witness to Christ?

The truth is, much of today’s media is noisy, divisive, and driven by fear. Headlines are designed to provoke, algorithms reward outrage, and online spaces often magnify hostility.

But the Great Commission calls Christians to be salt and light (Matthew 5:13–16). If we are all commentators, then our contribution must reflect the gospel, these are four ways we can ensure it does.

  • Speak truth in love. We live in an age of “fake news” and half-truths. As Paul urged, we must “speak the truth in love” (Ephesians 4:15). That means checking before sharing, refusing to spread gossip, and letting integrity mark our online voice. Truth matters — and how we deliver it matters too. 
  • Bring hope into despair. Bad news dominates the headlines. Yet the gospel is, at its core, good news. When others are overwhelmed, our words can point to Christ as anchor and refuge. A hopeful comment, a testimony, or even a reminder of God’s faithfulness can cut through despair with light. 
  • Model kindness. Online culture is often cruel. Comment sections drip with sarcasm and contempt. Christians have a chance to stand out — not by shouting louder, but by showing the fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22–23). Patience, gentleness, and kindness are radical in a digital world hooked on outrage. 
  • Offer eternal perspective. Media usually zooms in on the crisis of the day. The gospel zooms out. It tells the bigger story — that every human being bears God’s image, that history is in his hands, and that eternity is real. Our commentary can invite others to see life with that wider, richer frame. 

The Great Commission is unchanged. The mission is still to go into all of the world. In 2025, that world includes the streams of media we scroll through every day. Since we are all commentators now, the challenge is simple: will our commentary add to the noise, or will it bear witness to Christ? 

As ambassadors for Christ, we are his 21st Century storytellers. We have stories of transformation that bring spiritual joy and sustenance to the human soul, stories that resonate with people of different ethnicities, colours and creeds across the world.   

If we choose truth, hope, kindness, and perspective, then even in the fast-moving currents of media, we can fulfil Jesus’ call — to go, to disciple, and to shine his light in the world. 

Steve is Chair of the Church and Media Network, which runs Christians in Media. Steve is an experienced strategic marketer and corporate communications specialist. A former Director of Communications at the Council for World Mission (CWM), Steve played a key role in managing a full-scale, strategic review of its life, work and mission. Earlier, as CEO, Steve headed up a children's cancer charity, developing long-term strategies to provide respite holidays for children and parents. He also spearheaded a successful PR/lobbying campaign to change the UK Broadcasting Act on behalf of United Christian Broadcasters. Steve spends his time writing, speaking and mentoring.View full Profile

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