According to the United Nations, this past November (2022), the population of the world hit 8 billion. After taking thousands of years to cross the 1 billion plateau (reached in the early 1800’s) it took just 12 years for the world to grow from 6 to 7 billion people, and another 12 years to grow from 7 to 8 billion. Projections suggest that as population growth slows, it will take another 15 years before the world population hits 9 billion.   

I have to admit I was rather irked by some of the commentary I read suggesting that this many people is a problem. These articles cast doubt on whether life is truly precious and sacred. If we don’t act fast (or so we are told) the world will face a food shortage and a population crisis. Some conclude that women just need to be better educated when it comes to their reproductive health.

Obviously, none of these writers were coming at this issue from a biblical perspective. They fail to realize that life is a gift from God and something to celebrate, not fear. The bible tells us, “Sons are a heritage from the Lord, children a reward from him. Like arrows in the hands of a warrior are sons born in one’s youth. Blessed is the man whose quiver is full of them.” (Psalm 127:3-5)  

There is no question that poverty is a major issue in the world today. However, the world’s poverty problem is not a result of a resource shortage. Indeed, God made our planet incredibly rich and fruitful. Research and development in recent decades has allowed our food sources to stretch further than ever before. Two hundred years ago, when the world first hit a billion people, I don’t think anyone would have imagined a day when 8 billion people lived on the earth. It is tough to know how many people this planet can support, but one thing is certain – there remains an abundance of food resources available.

Unfortunately, there is another side to this story. Amid rapid population growth, especially during the last century, murder of the unborn has been rampant. In the United States alone, over 60 million babies have been aborted since 1973. A culture of death has emerged with little or no value on human life. In countries such as Japan, Russia, and now even China, population growth has stalled, and abortion is a big reason for this. Christians must do everything in their power to stand against the crisis of abortion.

As we read God’s Word, a consistent message resounds – life is something to be celebrated! Every human life is a miracle and a testimony to the power and faithfulness of God. Every person is an image bearer of the Creator God (Genesis 1:26-27). King David writes, “For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother’s womb. I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well. My frame was not hidden from you when I was made in the secret place. When I was woven together in the depths of the earth” (Psalm 139:13-15).

Today, there are 8 billion reasons to celebrate and praise God for His life-giving power. He is the Creator and sustainer of everyone and everything. Our job as Christians is not only to champion the sanctity of life, but to disciple the nations (Matthew 28:18-20). We want the world to know that there is hope in Jesus Name! Salvation is being offered through Christ to everyone who repents of their sins and believes in the gospel (Mark 1:15).

Now is not the time to sit on the sidelines. Much work remains. Let us spend and be spent in service to our Master, the Lord Jesus Christ (2 Corinthians 12:15).