“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. “NIV (1 Timothy 6:17)

Great has been the level of staggering of many who have witnessed the abundance and riches of individuals and even nations in the past centuries. At one time living a “simple life” and with basically only the basic needs of food, clothing, and shelter to worry about, now the change experienced by the world is greatly unimaginable.

In a book produced in the eighties entitled “Future Shock” by Alvin Toffler, certain facts stated still give an idea of how some nations were racing towards the end of the twentieth century. Break with the past was the intent: with a thrust into the future assuming ground- breaking proportions. Here are a few excerpts for consideration (penned over nearly half a century ago):

“In justifying his view that the present moment represents a crucial turning point in human history, Boulding observes that ‘as far as many statistical series related to activities are concerned, the date that divides human history into two equal parts is well within living memory’. In effect, our century represents The Great Median Strip running down the center of human history. Thus he asserts, ‘The world of today…is as different from the world in which I was born as that world was from Julius Caesar’s. I was born in the middle of human history, to date, roughly. Almost as much has happened since I was born as happened before.’”

At least we can state that the above quote may be much obsolescent now, but the idea of fast pacing of the twenty-first century cannot be ruled out. Today we look at how far man has come, how much has been amassed, how vast he has explored and how comforting life has become. Technological advancement has penetrated virtually every frontage of the human arena. Also, grand discoveries in health, biotechnology, Information Communication Technology, and automation systems add to the general novel feats in scientific progressions.

Consequentially, the quality of life has generally improved markedly, especially in the western world. The tendency is high, therefore, to assume that such acquisition of growth, advancement and wealth is by mere human might, but bluntly stated, it is not but by the grace of God. God wants to see the enjoyment of His children, but he sometimes lavishly entrusts certain persons with so much. And the purpose? To humble us as mere stewards and “…to do good, to be rich in good deeds, and to be generous and willing to share” (1 Timothy 5:18).

Let us not forget the God who has generously blessed us- both as individuals and as nations. In like manner let us have the needy at heart wherever they may be, for they are also made in the image of our generous God.

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