A Fading Mirage

A simple thought for today:  first world or third world?

Many of you reading this today live in a "first-world" country.  We live in a place where we can flush our toilet paper down the toilet, we have shelter, and we have access to food and clean running water.

We have Bibles.  Everywhere. 

There are paved roads to walk on that don't leave our feet caked in dust and mud.

We have access to education, books and Internet.

Trying to hold in tears as I hold this little one who never smiled, not once, for an entire morning.

Most people around the world don't live in anywhere near the opulence that we do.  Yes, that's right; opulence.  It's a strong word, and perhaps you've never thought of it quite like that before; but it's absolutely true.  Shimmering opulence.

Sometimes the shimmering can blind us to the bigger picture in front of us.  Have you ever looked at the sun for too long and then tried to focus on the earth around you and things became blurry?

Perhaps the shimmer of this luxury and opulence is nothing more than a mirage...that will fade away even while we are desperately running toward it here on earth.

You see, a day is coming when the tables will be turned.  The first world becomes the third world, and the third world the first.  


"But many who are first will be last, and the last first."  ~Mark 10:31

In God's economy, none of our perceived prestige or power matters.  Nothing that we have built for ourselves will stand.  

What does last?  God's heart for the poor, the orphan, the widow, the lost, lonely and those in bondage to sin remains beating ever-strong; desiring that all people be set free and enter into relationship with Him.

Seek Him today.  Draw near to God, and He will draw near to you.

Enjoy today,

P.S.  You are welcome here!  Thank you for stopping by for a visit.  Feel free to  join the conversation by leaving a comment and sharing your thoughts.