If you have a
Facebook account, you know something about first world problems. First world
problems are the kinds of issues people complain about in the free, capitalist
countries of the western world. The first, second, and third world terminology
developed during and after WWII to describe the free, capitalist nations in the
West, the repressive, socialist nations in the East, and the developing nations
not allied with either of the groups. Typically the third world is applied to
certain countries in Africa, South America, and Southeast Asia which are more
primitive, unindustrialized, and characterized by significant poverty.
Facebook is
largely (though not exclusively) devoted to pampered people complaining about
first world problems. The contrast between what Americans complain about and
what a starving mother in Ethiopia faces is considerable. The former complain
about the paucity of gluten-free options on a restaurant menu or the inadequate
amount of caramel in their $5 latte. The latter does not have a platform on
which to complain, nor would she have time to do so. She is too busy trying to
keep herself and her children alive.
There is a
lesson here for all of us about gratitude, complaining, and perspective. The
Scriptures speak at great length on these issues (Prov. 15:15-17; Php. 2:14-16;
4:4-8). But setting the personal context aside for a moment, think of the
corporate and congregational application. How many of the concerns, complaints,
and controversies in the local church really are first world problems? Do you
suppose the Jerusalem church argued much about music while Saul was wreaking
havoc on their fellowship, kicking in doors and arresting Christians (Acts 8:3)?
Do you think the saints who prayed all night while Peter was in prison
expressed their disappointment at the available refreshments (Acts 12:5, 12)?
How many of our complaints and controversies would make sense to third word
churches today?
This is not to
invalidate every concern that is raised or to suggest it is never appropriate to
be dissatisfied with our present circumstances. But it is to encourage us all
and me first of all, to place that dissatisfaction in context. Would it really
matter if we were meeting in a dirt hut in Africa? Should it really matter at
all? May the Lord help us to make the main thing, the main thing. –JME
