I'm going camping, and I won't have internet all weekend!! #firstworldproblems
The term 'first world problems' began as a hashtag craze not too long ago. We all have that one friend (or are that one friend) who always makes known their terrible ordeal of something mildly inconvenient ruining a single moment of their day.
To state the freakin' obvious, first world problems are not problems at all. Say it out loud, it sounds ridiculous. When we label our momentary misfortunes as first world problems, what we are really doing is laughing at long-term systematic injustice that is happening in third world countries.
It may have started as a genuine attempt to acknowledge that what we experience is minute in comparison to anyone from a developing nation, but it has descended into a trendy, hipster way of laughing at injustice and making yourself feel smug.
This phrase is a cop out, giving us an excuse to complain, whilst pretending we care about people who are less fortunate than us. Your lattè was cold, boo freakin' hoo. People who struggle to survive amongst famine, water shortages and constant threat of attack should not be the butt of our jokes.
So what do we do about it?
We can either keep minimising real struggles or we can move into reality and recognise that there are real issues that we need to confront worldwide.
If #firstworldproblems makes you reach for a smart one liner instead of filling your heart with compassion and the need for change, something has gone seriously wrong.
Our Calling Is So Much More
Why should we care?
We have a Saviour who walked this earth and gave to the lowest of the low. Jesus didn't care for people via Twitter, he cared for people in action. It is our mission to become more and more like him.
God did not spare his own son but gave him up generously for us, and we too are called to give up our lives out of generosity for others.
Practically, this means that we don't just tweet about the issues that we see playing out in third world countries, but we actively work for resolutions. It might mean giving up 15 coffees a month and resourcing a child to live a healthy life. It might mean spending time feeding or clothing those who are without food or shelter. It might mean being an activist at a political level. We've all got one coat too many in our cupboards. Give it away.
For true change, God needs to transform our hearts to break for the things that break his heart. We need to pray that God will teach us to have thankful hearts.
In Philippians 4 verse 12 the Apostle Paul says that he has "learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want." God's word also teaches us that it is God's will for us that we be thankful in all circumstances (see 1 Thessalonians 5 verse 18).
God, teach us how to not only recognise the significance of third world problems, but to take action for restoration.
Sarah Young is completing her Masters in Clinical Psychology and loves spending time engaging with young people. She spends her spare time writing songs, running and going on adventures with her husband, James.
Sarah Young's previous articles may be viewed at www.pressserviceinternational.org/sarah-young.html