Oxfam, a UK‐based charity, reported in 2010 that 388 of the richest people owned the same wealth as half of the world’s population – the poorest half. When Oxfam reported in 2014, the number of rich people had dropped to 80, and by 2015 the number was down to 62 who owned the same wealth as half the world’s population.¹

Income inequality is on the rise, with the richest 10 per cent earning up to 40 per cent of total global income. The poorest 10 per cent earn only between two and seven per cent of total global income. When taking into account the population growth in developing countries, inequality has increased by 11 per cent. Increasing inequality needs urgent action. But what can be done to help those who earn so little? What policies will include all people regardless of sex, race or ethnicity? Income inequality is a complex global problem that requires complex global solutions. This involves improving the regulation and monitoring of financial markets and institutions, as well as encouraging development assistance and direct foreign investment to regions where the need is greatest.

Most of the specific targets of SDG 10 ‐ a selection of which are shown at the top of the page ‐ use very complicated language. We might think this has nothing to do with us. Wrong! Every Christian needs to follow the example of Jesus and care particularly for the poor. While Jesus said, ‘The poor you will always have with you, but you will not always have me’ (Matthew 26:11), he was not giving us an excuse to do nothing about poverty.

We have the wonderful opportunity through The Salvation Army Self‐Denial Fund (World Services programme) to help others who deal with inequity in many of the poorest places on earth. Every Salvationist – even those living in the poorest countries – is asked to participate in this annual project to raise funds. That money enables people with few financial resources to help themselves.

Corruption and greed are usually the root cause of why there is inequality within and among countries. The human desire to look after oneself, rather than care about others, is caused by our sinful nature. Scripture addresses inequality, and in 1 John 2:16 we read: ‘For everything in the world—the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life—comes not from the Father but from the world.’

As long as there is sin in this world, reducing inequities within and among countries will be a problem. But the words of Jesus remind us of a reality: ‘I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world’ (John 16:33).

 

• Lust of the eyes is the temptation to look at things we shouldn’t look at or to want things that we shouldn’t have. In other words, it is to cast our eyes upon something with desire or pleasure, therefore potentially being a cause of inequality. Instead, Christians are told: ‘fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.’ (Hebrews 12:2).
• We live in a world that covets what others have – a potential cause of inequality among countries. Clear examples of this lust of the flesh are the many wars fought over the years – countries invading others for their resources, such as oil and minerals. In Exodus 20:17 we read: '"You shall not covet ... anything that belongs to your neighbour."'
• Pride of life is the temptation for greatness or power that takes over our ability to think and is also evident in inequality of nations. We are reminded that pride can take over a person’s life and, before long, destroy them unless they keep their heart constantly before the Lord. Our pride shows in several ways, from our desire to get the credit or glory for things that others (or God) have done, our desire for others to ‘worship’ us or hold us in high esteem – to ‘make a name for ourselves’ - to our desire to feel valued or more important than others, or our desire to be in a position of power over others in such a way as to boost our ego or for the sake of ‘bragging rights’ (Jesus said that those who desire to be great should be the greatest servant – see Matthew 20:25‐28). Proverbs 4:25‐27 (NIV) instructs us: ‘Let your eyes look straight ahead; fix your gaze directly before you. Give careful thought to the paths for your feet and be steadfast in all your ways. Do not turn to the right or the left; keep your foot from evil.’

   

• People who suffer as a result of inequality. Whether through limited opportunity, isolating conversations and attitudes or an unfulfilled quality of life, may they experience a sense of hope and purpose.
• Fellow Christians who experience inequality, injustice and poverty in their daily lives. May their faith in Christ remain strong despite their challenges. May those who do not currently know God discover their value in him.
• People across society and around the world who act unfairly as a result of prejudice and societal attitudes. May circumstances change and all people work together to achieve the best situations for each other.

• Be an advocate for those who are disadvantaged because of inequalities. For instance, create or engage with conversations about pay gaps, challenge attitudes that promote inequalities and be intentional about having a positive approach to those who are different from you.
• Support initiatives designed to reduce inequalities and deliver practical support to the disadvantaged. For example, look into projects that support the homeless, the poor, minorities and other groups. 

   

Tags: SDG10: Reduced Inequalities