We live a truly wonderful world. I, as much as anybody, feel passionately and am very aware that in the world there is poverty, injustice, disease and corruption. But I still say that the world we live in is beautiful and full of hope for a brighter tomorrow. Why am I so optimistic about the future?
In the history of mankind there has never been a better time to be alive. Harold MacMillan was right when he said “You’ve never had it so good“. Although there are still problems galore the world is a better place than in any time in history.
You’ve never had it so good
- The percentage of people living in extreme poverty is less than it has ever been. Indeed there is the opportunity to abolish extreme poverty in the next 20-30 years, but for most of human history an overwhelmingly large majority have lived in extreme poverty.
- Many diseases which have plagued mankind for millennia are in the process of being eliminated or have now been eradicated. For example: Smallpox, Polio, Guinea worm disease, Measles, Mumps and Rubella. There is a long way to go dealing with modern killers such as Heart Disease, Aids, Malaria and Cancer but there are hopeful signs on the horizon.
- Institutionalised slavery is not legal anywhere on earth, but modern, illegal slavery is still endemic throughout the world.
- Racism has been drastically reduced compared with past eras but still needs to be dealt with in our societies.
- Wars and human conflict have been reduced statistically though is may not seem it because what happens around the world is constantly on our T.V. screens.
We cannot be complacent about these things but looking at the history of ordinary people there is much cause for optimism. We do indeed live in a wonderful world.
The Kingdom of Heaven
Jesus taught us to pray, “Your Kingdom come, Your will be done on earth as it is in heaven”. I truly believe that we are seeing an advancement of the Kingdom of Heaven in our day. We have a long way to go but I am optimistic enough to believe that we are getting there.
Compassion and Justice 
What a blessing thanks for sharing your joy and leading us on
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Whoops a few typos , which I am sure you will work out – but the number of Young Voices was 8864 – that’s still a lot of Children and a lot of responsibility.
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Yesterday I went to see my granddaughter sing in a choir at the O2. She was stunning and of course she could be herd above all the others for her amazing voice.
But I was impacted, if not almost tearful as I sat in wonder of the beauty of these kids, they were amazing and so full of energy and excitement. And you are right it is a wonderful world.
BUT I could not help but think what world will we leave our grandchildren. I am optimistic I believe a Biblical view of the future calls us to be, Unless you have a hope in the Rapture when all the lovely Christians will be airlifted out so the rest can crash and burn.
I however don’t subscribe to this.
As optimistic as I am and as beautiful as it is, we must think hard about what we leave our children and our children children. We have a responsibility to think of them and not just Christian children but all and indeed all people.
A stunning performance by a choir made up life, creativity, and the future – who could not be impacted.
Oh, I forgot to mention there was 88664 of them singing together more children than we can imagine in one spot – singing “we are the future” – magical! When we live for the Kingdom we leave them a future, when we live for ourselves, well, you know the answer.
Thanks again George.
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