Secular news magazines of course recognize its importance. Time magazine's new managing editor, Nancy Gibbs, observed: "We all know we need to stay on top of the news because we've been living through a decade of unprecedented change, enormous events that we can neither escape nor ignore. And while there is a vast amount of information available, all that data ... can have the perverse effect of making us feel less aware, less informed, unsure of what to believe or whom to trust" (Sept. 17, 2013, emphasis added throughout).

This lead editorial is well-stated, implying the necessity of wise selection and an ultimate source we can fully trust. Yet scores of millions around the world virtually ignore the news and seek to escape from it.

The Bible (truly the ultimate arbiter) warns us against avoiding what we don't want to hear. It tells of "the sons of Issachar who had understanding of the times, to know what Israel ought to do" (1 Chronicles 12:32). How much more do our leaders need this biblical understanding today! (See the Current Events & Trends article on America and Britain.)

Three times in five verses Jesus Christ warns us to watch (Mark 13:32-37). Consider also His solemn instruction to "watch and pray always" in Luke 21:34-36. Most people will be taken by surprise when the end comes. But readers of The Good News need not be misled like the vast majority. (Source: Time.)