Standard of Living

There is a considerable difference in the overall standard of living we enjoy in the US as compared to most other countries. The lack of goods and services in the “third world” is very evident. The poor cleanliness and quality of facilities in these countries is also very apparent. We are blessed materially in the US beyond what we realize. Modern conveniences allow us to do so much more with our time. We have such a variety of food options that is sometimes difficult to choose where to have lunch after church. We have sporting and leisure activities of every kind to involve ourselves and our children in. The average house is getting larger each year with more and more modern comforts and conveniences. Our cars are no different. They come equipped with features now that Captain Kirk could have only dreamed about! I could go on and on. Look how far we have come! What a tremendous lifestyle we have created for ourselves!

Recently I sat in a small farm house in Asia. Its walls were made of packed mud and it had a dirt floor. One small light bulb gave it some sparse illumination. It was minimally furnished with little attempt at decoration. I was struck by the difference of their lifestyle compared to ours. I thought of the rich young ruler mentioned in Matthew 19 and how his wealth was a barrier to him following Christ. Graham Kendrick draws this into focus in the familiar chorus:

All I once held dear, built my life upon, All this world reveres, and wars to own, All I once thought gain I have counted loss, Spent and worthless now, compared to this, Knowing you, Jesus, Knowing you, there is no greater thing…

Can we honestly sing this? Material possessions are the chosen idols of our culture. Maybe we need to reexamine our focus in life. Are we using that which God has blessed us for His kingdom and His glory? I pray that you will exchange “that which is perishable” for “something that cannot perish.”

(As a side note... If you have ever had a similar experience, you may have been distracted by the "deplorable living conditions". You may have thought: This person needs a refrigerator, carpet, a door, etc... In reality all these things pale in comparison to their need for a Savior!)