Is Excess Commonplace Regardless of Place?
About the Author
Ben spends most of his time working with underprivileged kids in Tijuana, Mexico, encouraging them to continue their education. He's an unofficial member of Iglesia Bautista Monte Horeb, which runs the elementary school, Centro Pedagógico Didaque.
Recently on the radio, I listened intently to a debate between the talk show host and a caller. The caller insisted that today’s wages in the U.S. cannot sufficiently provide for the basics. The host disagreed saying that most of the basics today are much cheaper than they were 50 years ago. He gave examples of clothing, transportation, furniture, and food. All of which, on the whole, are relatively less expensive in 2007 than they were in 1957. The problem, according to the host, is that our lifestyles today “demand” necessities that aren’t necessities. Just think of all the tech items that one has to have, and it becomes obvious why the family budget is in the red.
As Michelle said, it seems that “disposable income spent on superficial things” is seen on all levels (as I’m now saying). Last week I heard a different radio host describe his home. It’s as big as a shopping mall; the temperature in every building is always kept at 68 degrees, regardless of use; and the many, many HDTV’s are always on. That is excess! But the poor also dabble in excess. I’ve been in many small homes/shacks that have two TV’s. The ratio of television per square foot is probably higher than that of any celebrity superstar mansion.
Yesterday I took some food to a family that lost their home in a fire. Actually, four homes in total burned to the ground. The houses were built on a very steep slope, leveled off by the use of stacked car tires. The fire started in the lowest home and quickly worked its way up and through house number four. All was lost except for two TV’s. What? Yep. I spoke with the homeowner who braved the flames, risking his life to save what would have had to be possessions of paramount importance. Apparently to him, that did not include the family dog that experienced live cremation.
It’s not uncommon for a short-term-mission-tripper to critically question the spending habits of the poor in Tijuana. Yet I’m quite certain the tide would quickly retreat if their personal check register and credit card statements were scrutinized. The argument would immediately be as follows: “Yah, but I still have food in the refrigerator and a solid roof over my head.” True, but at least one possible biblical response would be, “From everyone who has been given much, much will be demanded; and from the one who has been entrusted with much, much more will be asked.” (Luke 12:48b NIV)
In the 21st century, excess is commonplace in every place.
July 29th, 2007 at 11:36 am
We did a survey last year in Swaziland. Of all the homes visited only 52% were made of bricks or cement blocks - the rest were made of mud. Only 15% of the homes had electricity. Of those which had electricity, we found the following: 86% had a fridge, 71% had a TV and 38% had an electric stove. I had the feeling that overall there wasn’t much excess in these homes. But if I have to be honest, looking at myself and what we have (and we consider ourselves to be in a below-average salary bracket, then I know that I have a huge number of luxury items which is not really necessary. And you are right - this makes my responsibility so much greater to manage my finances responsibly and in accordance with God’s will.
August 28th, 2007 at 9:44 am
Man, right on. Great post. I think when one doesn’t encounter the poor all that often, it’s easy to develop an image of them that isn’t true. A nice reality check about human nature everywhere. And congratulations on your latest addition!! You will miss the old nights of sleep.