THE WEEKLY WORD
 a weekly devotional by pastor jerry robinson

March 23, 2009

A Desperate Globe

“Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness’ sake...”
(Matt. 5:10 NKJV)

America is a nation like no other. U.S. citizens live lifestyles that history's greatest and wealthiest kings could only dream of. We live in enormous and weatherproof structures called homes. We transport ourselves throughout our communities with high-speed automobiles. We entertain ourselves with the finest high-tech gadgets. We have been the most prosperous nation to ever grace the confines of this planet. Yet tragically, most Americans have no idea how forunate that they truly are. This oblivious majority also tends to have one more thing in common: most of them have never stepped foot outside of their own nation. Something happens to an individual when he visits a poorer country than his own. Gratitude and humility are two of the most immediate virtues that emerge. Consider the following statistics concerning our desperate globe:

  • Half the world – nearly three billion – live on less than $2 a day.
  • A few hundred millionaires now own as much wealth as the world’s poorest 2.5 billion people.
  • Half the world – nearly three billion – lack access to basic sanitation such as flushing toilets.
  • Over 1.1 billion people have inadequate access to clean drinking water.
  • Out of the 2.2 billion children in the world, over 1 million live in abject poverty.

    These statistics should motivate us, not to feel condemned, but rather, to prayer and action. Don’t become satisfied with your life. Find a way this week to demonstrate the love of Christ to those less fortunate than yourself and your family. There are literally billions of people who have never tasted the conveniences that you enjoy daily. Do not forget those less fortunate. Pray for the weak, the poor, and the needy. God will hear and answer.


    Prayer: “Father, teach me to love the world the way you do.”