Our college aged son educated me on the latest twitter trend. When you complain about something that is a result due to the affluence of a citizen in a first world nation the tweet has the hash tag #firstworldproblem. It is a tongue in cheek reflection on how minor our problems are next to those wondering where to get their next meal. How easily we fall into our first world woes yet, . . . we have been warned.
Matthew 13:22 The seed falling among the thorns refers to someone who hears the word, but the worries of this life and the deceitfulness of wealth choke the word, making it unfruitful. (NIV)
The parable of the sower and the seed warns those burdened by affluence. Do you question your affluence?
If you woke up this morning with more health than illness, you are more
fortunate than the one million people who will not survive this week.If you have food in the refrigerator, clothes on your back, a roof overhead and a place to sleep, you are richer than 75% of the world.
If you can attend a church or political meeting without fear of harassment, arrest, torture, or death, then you are more blessed than three billion in the world.
If you have money in the bank, in your wallet, and spare change in your pocket, then you are among the top 8% of the world's wealthy.
Does your #firstworldproblem cause you worry? Does your #firstworldproblem choke the Word within you? Does your #firstworldproblem make you unfruitful?
This is my prayer. What is yours?
Psalm 139:23-25Search me, God, and know my heart;
test me and know my anxious thoughts.See if there is any offensive way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting. (NIV)
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Sally, what an appropriate word for all of us this morning...It's so easy to grumble and forget how very blessed we are.....Thank you so much for the reminder....
ReplyDeleteI hope you have a wonderful weekend....
A friend on facebook recently posted this link http://mashable.com/2012/04/01/first-world-problems/#560571-Golf
ReplyDeleteto a list someone compiled of people legitimately complaining about the most ridiculous things. Check it out for a bit of a laugh and truly more than one groan out loud.
Amen, sister.
ReplyDeletenice post thanks for sharing...looking for to visit more...happy mother's day loves soraya
ReplyDeleteThought provoking post, Sally. There's a lot of truth in that little hash tag. Ouch.
ReplyDeleteI think this awareness is why I don't get too revved up about much anymore--there are bigger issues in this world. Except tailgating--can I let that go?
ReplyDeleteOh gosh - thanks for this! I am such a worrier and I have learned to literally count my blessings - I have so much for which to be grateful. Mostly I worry about money, but as you point out, I am richer than almost everyone!! I'm learning and doing better - it's been a lifelong journey. That's why I so enjoy following blogs like yours that are simple reminders about life.
ReplyDeleteAfter reading your post I realize my problems are few and my blessings are many.
ReplyDelete