While we Americans complain about the soaring food prices, we pay a smaller percentage of our income for food than people of other nations. Statistics released by The New York Times indicate that Americans spend approximately 17.6 percent of their income for food, as opposed to 21.9 by Germans, 26.5 by the French, and 22.3 by the Japanese.
Other peoples of the world are even more desperate. In India, 60 percent of a person's income goes for food, while in some parts of Africa, it is 70 percent.
Life in an affluent society raises unique problems. Americans must decide how to use their money wisely. This is no problem in countries like India and Africa where necessity dictates. But we must remember that, as Jesus said, much is required of the one who has been given much.
Christ's words of warning in Luke 21:34 are most appropriate for the West. In the last days, we are tempted to waste our substance rather than use it wisely. Jesus told us to shun excess, drunkenness, and the cares of this world. In our materialistic society, we are to maintain a proper perspective and look for His coming.
“And take heed to yourselves, lest at any time your hearts be overcharged with surfeiting, and drunkenness, and cares of this life, and so that day come upon you unawares.”
Luke 21:34 KJV
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