Are these really problems?

According to Google, the First World can be defined as “the industrialized capitalist countries of western Europe, North America, Japan, Australia, and New Zealand.”

Merriam-Webster’s Dictionary gives a few definitions:

1. “the highly developed industrialized nations often considered the westernized countries of the world,”
2. “the countries of the world that have many industries and relatively few poor people,”
3. “the rich nations of the world.”

First World Problems

When we look back throughout history, we see how blessed we are to live at this time. When we look at other countries around the world, we see how blessed we are to live in this place.

When we consider these two factors of time and place, we realize how rich we truly are.

Usually we’re okay with that.

That is, until we see a video like the one we just watched. Then we get a bit uncomfortable because we recognize the needs of others, and we realize how little we would have to sacrifice in order to fulfill so many of these needs.

More over, as Christians, we realize that God may be in fact, calling us to sacrifice something in order to fulfill His work.

Matthew 19

This week, we’re going to work through another passage from Matthew’s Gospel that can be difficult to read. Much like last week, this passage can be uncomfortable for us to hear and accept.

Matthew 19 carries with it a call for action that some of us might struggle with or might need some time to process through. And that’s perfectly acceptable.

Difficult passages need to be processed.

As I’ve said before, I’m not here to point a finger at anyone, accept maybe at myself. I’ve had to come to the realization that Jesus doesn’t care too much about my First World Problems.

Moreover, instead of concentrating on these problems, I’ve been reminded that Jesus requires a level of sacrifice from me as a Christian and as a Pastor.

I’ve been on a convicting journey this week and I’m excited to share it with you this week.

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What’s the last First World Problem you complained about? What was the context?