Overpopulation?

Is the earth running out of resources?

"As much as half of all the food produced in the world - two billion tonnes worth - ends up being thrown away, a new report claims."

If trying to imagine how many people the present world food supply could supply, remember too all the food wasted through over-eating; 69.2% of Americans are overweight or obese.

Does this matter, or have any relevance on a Christian blog? First, Christians are called to responsible stewardship. Mankind is not the owner of the earth, but its steward. Moreover, he is a steward with a defined task - to fill the earth, order it, beautify it, and display God's glory in it - a task that now takes place through new, Spirit-filled lives as Jesus brings sinners to repentance and through sufferings to holiness. Secondly, Christianity has rivals; one of which is a false, pagan religion of creation-worship, a.k.a. Gaia worship. This does not see mankind as the earth's stewards, but as its inevitable pillagers and rapists. Man is the enemy, because he has allowed his population to grow beyond manageable and sustainable proportions. Facts are useful things to disprove that particular myth. Thirdly, facts like these can bring us to sorrow and godly repentance. How much of all our time, effort and resources are simply wasted? How much waste has foolishness and sin caused? An immense amount. How much more blessing would God's special creation, mankind, be enjoying if it acted with wisdom? Why do so very many go to sleep hungry, whilst others gorge themselves and throw much in the bin? Because of sin (and usually not just on one side). I spent a few hours today working on insurance - why is that needed? Mostly, because sin is in the world; and in my heart. But Jesus is a great Saviour.

A speaker heard earlier this week encouraged us to both fast and feast with Jesus. We mourn and fast because we're not yet at that consummation feast. We feast and rejoice because he's with us by his Spirit, and the day is fast approaching. The wisdom lies in knowing what occasion is suitable for each.