GALLOP POLL

Donna Robertson, dear friend and B4T advocate sent us the following.

In 2007, Jim Clifton, Chairman and CEO of Gallup, published an article revealing the findings of the polling organization’s first ever World Poll. In making the decision to undertake this gargantuan task, they researched existing data and determined that no such gathering of information existed. And that such a poll would need to “cover almost every issue in the world, be translated as accurately into dozens of languages, and be meaningful in every culture.”

As they compiled the data, they discovered what they considered to be the “single most searing, clarifying, helpful, world-altering fact.” Clifton continues, “If used appropriately, it may change how every leader runs his or her country. But at the very least, it needs to be considered in every policy, every law, and every social initiative. All leaders – policy and law makers, presidents and prime ministers, parents, judges, priests, pastors, imams, teachers, managers, and CEOs – need to consider it every day in everything they do.”

What was this monumental discovery? “What the world wants is a good job.”

According to Clifton, “Humans used to desire love, money, food, shelter, safety, and/or peace more than anything else. The last 25 years have changed us. Now we want to have a good job. This changes everything for world leaders. Everything they do – from waging war to building societies – will need to be done within the new context of the human need for a ‘good job’.”

One of the guiding principles of Christ’s ministry on earth was meeting people at their point of need. If we, as believers, are to reach the world for Him, we need to understand that providing good jobs is one of the best ways to meet people at their point of need.*

Gallop has proven is not to be taken likely.  A big key to winning a hearing with people is giving them respect and creating opportunities to for them to improve their way of life.  Creating jobs offers both.  Jobs create wealth. Wealth creates choices. When people are given respect and choices; one of those choices maybe Jesus.  Right now, too many people around the world have no choices.

Transformation of peoples begins with a job.

*Jim Clifton’s original article was “Global Migration Patterns and Job Creation.” This has now been expanded into the book, “The Coming Jobs War.”

PATRICK LAI and his family have worked in SE Asia for over 37 years. His experience in doing business with Jesus has brought him to understand the meaning of work and worship in the marketplace. He started 14 businesses in four countries, six of which are still operating. Patrick and his wife, May, mentor and coach businesspeople working where there are few or no Christians. Check out Patrick’s latest book, Workship, now available in paperback and e-book.