I recently heard a prominent national politician speak. He related that the goals of the proposal that he was introducing in his speech were consistent with the goals of all Americans, which is to continually improve and increase the standard of living for Americans.
Wow, all. That is a remarkably high percentage. I can’t remember the last time that I heard of all Americans agreeing on anything….oh, wait, yes I do NEVER! That moment, when I felt the most incredulous over the bold totality of his statement, is when it hit me that he just might be right!
I wanted to disagree with him, but I knew that deep inside of my thoughts and beliefs, I actually agreed with him. I have the desire that the standard of living should be continually improving for Americans. After all, it’s who we are, what we do. We prosper; we create affluence via the great “American Dream.” But how much is enough?
Is it correct for this goal to be perpetual? I think in terms of my life. The standard of living in my lifetime, in America, has improved immensely. I don’t know what percent it has improved, but health care, the ability to own your own home, own cars, multiple cars, as well as multiple phones, televisions and computers is certainly evidence of ever increasing prosperity. But can we ever reach the point where we are satisfied and see the truth that the need for more is no longer realistic?
I think of the wealthy people that I do know and I find a common thread. Most of them do not feel the need to strive for a better lifestyle. They live very comfortably and afford certain luxuries, but most, except the frivolous, buy things that are durable and last. They buy a Mercedes Benz, renowned for its quality, longevity, durability, slow value depreciation and reliability, when they could afford a Buggati. They live in comfort and keep their prosperity by living within its means. They have arrived at their goal.
Some, of course, are never sated or happy. Which one are you? Are you grateful for what you have and a good steward of it, or are you too busy striving for more to recognize how blessed you already are?
I think that we Americans would do ourselves a great favor by not thinking of the need to ever increase the standard of living, perpetually and without limits.
People of faith would also do well to remember to be happy with what they have, rather than trying to have what would make them happy. We serve a God who is a Father, who gives good and perfect gifts from above. Our mindset should be to learn to recognize and appreciate them. Blessings!
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