The End of Plenty

Farmers transporting animal feedA few images from the June issue of National Geographic.

The world population, currently at 6 billion, is expected to increase to around 10 billion and then decline.

But already there are signs that our population is straining the planet's capabilities to produce and distribute food to everyone. At least this is true based on the way we are currently using resources.

The same is true of basic resources like water and clean air -- these are not things we will take for granted in the years to come.

"Nothing is left for him to devour;
his prosperity will not endure.
In the midst of his plenty, distress will overtake him;
the full force of misery will come upon him."

- Job 20:21-22 (read the whole chapter - the context is the outcome for the wicked who have oppressed the poor and left them destitute, seized things that were not theirs...)

What do you think? Have we abused the plenty we have had? ("We" could be anyone or any community or nation. For me as an American, I can ask these questions about myself and my country.) Have we abused the land? Do we responsibly share limited resources with others whom God has made? Do we consume things at the expense of the well being of others? How will we be judged? What if we didn't realize some of the repercussions of our lifestyles for a long time?

Comments
Chuck's Gravatar We (Americans) have definitely abused and wasted resources. However, what happens to the billions of dollars we send abroad every year to help feed and resource the need around the world? Are those resources being used wisely? What about situations where our resources never reach the intended targets, or are refused outright (i.e., Cyclone Nargis).

We cannot just focus on waste and abuse. We must find ways to ensure that all of our aid actually reaches the people who need it, and doesn't end up enriching tribal warlords or government bureaucrats.
# Posted By Chuck | 6/18/09 2:11 PM
Luke's Gravatar Should we give blindly, trustingly? Tyrants and clerks will all get their fair share of aid that is sent out. What is left will cause addition to aid and stifle innitiative. Hunger motivates.
# Posted By Luke | 7/5/09 3:40 PM
links of london jewellery's Gravatar Very cool! Congrats on the pairing.
# Posted By links of london jewellery | 11/16/09 3:15 AM

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"Peter said to him, "We have left everything to follow you!" "I tell you the truth," Jesus replied, "no one who has left home or brothers or sisters or mother or father or children or fields for me and the gospel will fail to receive a hundred times as much in this present age (homes, brothers, sisters, mothers, children and fields—and with them, persecutions) and in the age to come, eternal life." "

Mark 10:28-30 (NIV)

 
 

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