Too Many People

"Hey, except for you, I'm the only one up!" Emerson said as he ate a bowl of cereal one morning. He grinned at his mother. "Mom, do you ever wish you didn't have all six of us kids?"

Mom looked at him in surprise. "Of course not! Whatever made you ask that?"

"My teacher says that if every couple in the world had only one or two kids, a lot of our problems would be solved," replied Emerson. "He says there are just too many people, and there isn't enough food or water to go around."

Mom looked thoughtful. "The Bible speaks of children as a heritage and a reward. Jesus loves children, and He wants us to welcome them as blessings from Him."

"But if you and Dad didn't have all of us, there'd be more money to go around," Emerson pointed out. "You could afford nicer things, and you'd have more time to do the stuff you like to do." He grinned. "And I could get a new bike."

"Do you think we'd trade any of you precious children for a new couch, a car, or a few more hours of free time?" asked Mom. "Would you trade any of your brothers or sisters for a new bike?"

Emerson laughed. "No way! But what about the things my teacher said?"

"God created this world to provide for the needs of all people," said Mom. "I think the main reason there don't seem to be enough material goods to go around is simply our own selfishness. While many people are starving, others have far more than they need." Emerson nodded thoughtfully as Mom poured coffee into a mug. "Think about when Christopher was born," she continued. "Remember how you older kids had to give away your stuffed toys because of his allergies? How did you feel about that?"

"Well, we would have liked to keep them, but it was okay," Emerson said. "We love Christopher."

"And that's what the world needs--not more things, but more love," said Mom. "Knowing Jesus and sharing His love with other people is what's really important and what brings joy. Each person is very valuable to Jesus--and they should be to us too!" Sherry L. Kuyt