What Is Affordable?
Now we have received, not the spirit of the world, but the spirit which is of God; that we might know the things that are freely given to us of God. 1 Corinthians 2:12
I always find “Then and Now” contrasts to be intriguing. If we did a cost comparison from 1965-2025, what would we see? Don’t freak out!
A dozen eggs in 1965 $.53 2025-nearly $5
A gal. of milk: 1965-$1.06 2025-over $4.50
A gal. of gas: 1965-$.31 2025 -below $3.50 Estimated
A bottle of ketchup: 1965-$.22 2025-$3.88
A ½ gallon of ice cream 1965-$1.00 2025-$6.34
Now, just for fun, let’s take a peek at the average 1965 income which was $6,900 and in 2024, it was $62,027. Can we afford to buy groceries, give to the church, pay for insurance, go on vacation, miss a day of work? You decide! It’s all relative.
When we look at those cost comparisons, we shudder and scratch our heads wondering ‘when and how in the world did this happen?’ Sixty years brought this about and we have us to thank. This is not a scolding by any means but rather a statement of fact. That was then, and this is now. Progress?
Hey, we have more money to spend. Right? But we also have higher living costs. What can we possibly afford today? I cannot answer that question for you. Only you can make that determination.
I can share something you cannot afford to be without and that is the free gift of salvation. Jesus Christ paid a high price for us. In these days ahead, things will change and then change again. We will never have enough money to cover life without Him. If something is free, trustworthy, proven, and wonderful, we would be foolish to turn our backs. However, people are still doing that today.
The spirit of the world calls to us like a mythological siren, wooing us to buy, experience, and keep up. The Spirit of God says, “Wait and I will provide for your needs.” For me, even though it is difficult, I would much rather wait.
God is affordable even though following Him may mean modification, but I am always up for a challenge. How about you?
Gracious Father, thank You for meeting our needs and not our wants. You are always looking out for our good and we are grateful. Teach us wisdom. AMEN.