We certainly should be concerned about the hundreds of millions of people who live in crushing poverty today. Most of them live on the edge of starvation every day, and face disease and hopelessness that most of us can barely imagine. God’s Word is clear: “I command you, saying, ‘You shall open your hand wide to your brother, to your poor, and your needy'” (Deuteronomy 15:11, NKJV).

Tragically, however, even if all poverty were somehow eliminated we’d still have conflicts and wars. This is because our real problem is deeper than economic inequality, or any other social or economic problem. Our real problem is within ourselves — within our own hearts and minds. The Bible puts it this way: “What causes fights and quarrels among you? Don’t they come from your desires that battle within you?” (James 4:1).

Even if we have enough, we always want more. Even if we are taught to respect others, someone will always want to control them or even enslave them. Even if all our needs are met, jealousy and greed capture our souls.

Why are we this way? The reason is because we’ve left God out of our lives. As a result, we all have a deadly spiritual disease — a disease the Bible calls “sin.” That’s why we need Christ, for only He can change our hearts and replace our selfishness and greed with His love. Has this happened in your life? I pray it will — and it can, and as you turn to Christ and invite Him to come into your heart and mind today.

You can know Christ today