February 26, 2022
Dear Grandchildren,
Traveling to Third World countries has taught me many things about myself and about the world.
Can you imagine going to Nigeria and explaining how inconvenient my life is at times? How I don’t have cell service, how my lawn is too dry because the sprinkler system isn’t working appropriately, or when the automatic car wash is closed? The time when I had to postpone my vacation for a week. I didn’t have anything clean to wear in my closet. Or I can’t get the satellite to work. And complaining that the Tigers are losing.
Imagine if you were born into a Third World country and had to face these common obstacles: no jobs available, no pure water, very little food, very little education, and very little healthcare. Then there’s also the threat of violence from crazy people, since there’s very little law and order.
Here are some statistics illustrating the reality of our world:
- Over a fourth, or 27%, of infants in the world die before they reach five years old.*
- A half of the world’s population or 3.8 billion people live on less than $5.50 a day. (Did you read that last sentence? Just $5.50 a day!) *
- An estimated 3.1 million children die from undernutrition each year (UNICEF, 2018).
- Lowest life expectancy in the world is Central African Republic at 51.59 years of age. Nigeria is 53.53. (Both statistics reflects 2016 figures.) *
In America, the life expectancy is in the mid-70’s, and I’m two months away from being 79. Think about the fact, if you make $25,000 per year, then you are in the top 10% of the world’s wealthiest people. If you own a car, then you’re part of only 7% of the world’s population who own one. And I own three cars.
Grandchildren, money is just money; it can buy you things. But, how much money would it take to make you feel secure for the future? The answer is always “more” than you have right now. The more money or wealth we have, the more likely we are going to place our hope in them.
Apostle Paul also had something to say about being wealthy:
”17 Command those who are rich in this present world not to be arrogant nor to put their hope in wealth, which is so uncertain, but to put their hope in God, who richly provides us with everything for our enjoyment. 18 Command them to do good, to be rich in good deeds, and to be generous and willing to share. 19 In this way they will lay up treasure for themselves as a firm foundation for the coming age, so that they may take hold of the life that is truly life. 1st Timothy 6:17-19 (NIV).”
So grandchildren, realize Paul is saying, don’t let your wealth become your hope, or you will hoard. And you won’t see it when it happens. So put your hope and trust in God.
In fact, the chief competitor to God is your money. Jesus said in Matthew 6:21, “For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.”
Now pretend you were in the hospital and the doctors give you thirty days to live. Your money would be of no concern, but your hope in God would jump to the forefront. A 100% of your hope would be in Him. So, instead of waiting till the end of your life, why not trust Him now in the middle of your life? Yes, put your hope in the provider, not in the provision. God has given us everything.
Here’s a declaration to consider. I will not place my hope in riches, but in Him who richly provides. This can be a game changer!
One last comment I’d like to make about my twelve trips to Nigeria. I was so richly blessed by the people of Nigeria because of their love, faith, and hope in Jesus Christ. They may be a Third World country, but their relationship with God has put them as first-class people in God’s kingdom.
Always realize how much I love you,
Grandpa * 2020 Statistics from the World Bank.
Featured Photo by Nupo Deyon Daniel on Unsplash