The Weekly Encourager – April 10, 2013 – 100 People

“If you could fit the entire population of the world into a village consisting of 100 people, maintaining the proportions of all the people living on Earth, that village would consist of 57 Asians, 21 Europeans, 14 Americans (North, Central and South), and 8 Africans. There would be 52 women and 48 men, 30 Caucasians and 70 non-Caucasians, 30 Christians and 70 non-Christians, 89 heterosexuals and 11 homosexuals. Six people would possess 59% of the wealth and they would all come from the USA. Eighty would live in poverty, 70 would be illiterate, 50 would suffer from hunger and malnutrition, 1 would be dying, 1 would be being born, 1 would own a computer, 1 (yes, only one) would have a university degree. If we looked at the world in this way, the need for acceptance and understanding would be obvious.

“But, consider again the following: If you woke up this morning in good health, you have more luck than one million people, who won’t live through the week. If you have never experienced the horror of war, the solitude of prison, the pain of torture, were not close to death from starvation, then you are better off than 500 million people. If you can go to your place of worship without fear that someone will assault or kill you, then you are luckier than 3 billion (that’s right) people.

“If you have a full fridge, clothes on your back, a roof over your head and a place to sleep, you are wealthier than 75% of the world’s population. If you currently have money in the bank, in your wallet and a few coins in your purse, you are one of 8 of the privileged few amongst the 100 people in the world.

“If your parents are still alive and still married, you’re a rare individual. If someone sent you this message, you’re extremely lucky, because someone is thinking of you and because you don’t comprise one of those 2 billion people who can’t read. AND SO? Work like you don’t need the money. Love like nobody has ever hurt you. Dance like nobody is watching. Sing like nobody is listening. Live as if this was paradise on Earth.” - Anonymous

Now, in addition to the above blessings that only a few out of 100 people have, add the truth of Scripture:

“God has already given you everything you need. He has given you the whole world to use, and life and even death are your servants. He has given you all of the present and all of the future. All are yours, and you belong to Christ, and Christ is God's.” 1 Corinthians 3:21-23

“Since he did not spare even his own Son for us but gave him up for us all, won't he also surely give us everything else?” Romans 8:32

“He will supply all your needs from his riches in glory, because of what Christ Jesus has done for us.” Philippians 4:19

“God is able to make it up to you by giving your everything you need and more, so that there will not only be enough for your own needs, but plenty left over to give joyfully to others.” 2 Corinthians 9:8

Friends, we have been given so much, and we need to thank God every single day and find ways to give joyfully to others!

God is good and generous,

j

The "anonymous" message above came around the internet under the title “Lightning in a jar.” If anyone knows the original source, please let me know so I can give credit.