Overpopulation—A Myth

A modern writer tells how once he asked an old man how he managed to live alone in a single cottage, miles from anywhere. The old man answered cheerfully that he enjoyed it since, as he explained: “Providence is my next-door neighbor.”

Despite what many politicians and scientists tell us, the problems of this earth are not physical but spiritual. It is not overpopulation that requires our attention, but spiritual ignorance. If people came into a knowledge of Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior, then they would be given the wisdom to use the earth’s resources rightly. Murray Norris in his book, The Myth of Overpopulation, says that only fifteen percent of the arable land on the globe is being farmed, and only half of that every year. It goes without saying, of course, that although God supplies the basic necessities, people have to put some effort into harvesting them; our problem is not lack of resources, nor too many people—it is our lack of dependency upon God.

Paul, in 1 Timothy 4:3, says that God has created all food “to be received with gratitude by those who believe and know the truth.” Can you see what this verse is saying? God has provided us an incredible abundance of food so that we might express our thanks to Him.

The rest of the world indulges with little gratitude. Let’s make sure that not one day passes without this prayer meaningfully crossing our lips: “Give us each day our daily bread.”

Further Study

James 2; Rm 12:11; Pr 13:11; 2Th 3:10

How does James relate faith and works?

What is Paul’s exhortation?