Little Things Can Kill You

What kills people? What should you worry about, and what should not worry you?

Recently, I read a fascinating tweet that described what kills people.

I don’t know why they gave these stats, but the stats in themselves are fascinating.

What kills people?

When I go in the water in the gulf or the ocean I find myself looking for large sea creatures in the water. A dorsal fin will always get me out of the water. Some people have actually quit swimming in the gulf for this reason. By the way, how many people are killed by sharks each year?

Sharks kill 10 people a year world wide.

How about other causes of death?

They go like this:

Rampaging elephants kill 100 people a year.

Snails kill 10,000 a year, but I don’t know why.

Snakes kill 50,000 a year. I certainly can believe snakes are dangerous.

The last stat was the most telling of all.

Mosquitoes kill 725,000 people a year.

What should we think about this?

First, we should take a good look at what we worry about. If you stay awake at night imagining being attacked by a shark, you probably have your mind on the wrong subject.

Jesus told us not to be worriers. “So don’t worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will bring its own worries. Today’s trouble is enough for today” (Matthew 6:34). “Can all your worries add a single moment to your life? Of course not! And if worry can’t do little things like that, what’s the use of worrying over bigger things?” (Luke 12:25-26).

Your worry will more likely kill you than whatever you are fretting over.

Second, your greatest danger might be the small rather than the large. In life, we often deal with the big areas when we should be looking at the small things. The small things–think of anger, bitterness, and envy–may be the most dangerous of all. Spend your time on areas that will make a difference.

What we harbor in our hearts can be more destructive than any weapon.

Is it time to deal with the little things which are keeping you from abundant living?

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5 Responses

  1. I find this true everyday and keep these verses in my mind and heart when I think something is my responsibility and a concern. Thank you for the reminder.

  2. Dr. Bailey, thanks for the reminder, worry is one of the things that I have struggled with. Now that I am older, I do not worry so much , that is a great blessing and relief . Sleep is easier now. I appreciate and enjoy your message each day. Bonnie

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