What Changed?
In the 1950s, gas was about 20 cents a gallon, while milk was close to 80 cents a gallon. Today, the average cost for a gallon of gas and milk is about 4 dollars. Obviously, this change is a product of inflation, and it would seem that average wage earnings would simply keep up with the increase in prices. The reality is that the purchasing power of the dollar in the 1950s was much higher than it is today. A dollar in 1950 is comparable to over 12 dollars in today's currency. In no way does this mean that poverty was a minor issue in the 1950s. Many American households faced extreme poverty and experienced little to no comforts that your average American now does.
Another big change that occurred between the 1950s and today concerns the average household product. Items such as tools, appliances, clothing, and furniture were once known for their craftsmanship, durability, and/or quality, but no longer. Such decline falls under the umbrella of mass production and ever-changing aesthetics. What was once viewed as a special heirloom to pass down to the next generation is now viewed as a fashionable trinket to enjoy for the moment. Things that lasted for 20–30 years are now made to last almost 10 times less. It is true that computer-based technology has rapidly increased, giving the assumption that there would also be an increase in comfort and convenience, but this is not the case. If anything, there has been a rise in depression, suicides, and drug overdoses. One deeply disturbing statistic is that since 1950, the birth rate has dropped well below 50 percent. Much of this is due to the horrible acceptance of abortions, the change in lifestyles, and the indoctrinated view that children would be too much of a financial burden.
Suffice it to say, our society today has no clue what it means to live in the light of God's sovereign goodness. What do I mean by this? Throughout the entire chapter of Matthew 6, Jesus magnified the call of acknowledging not only the Heavenly Father’s perfect sovereignty but also His providential care over creation. Times have changed, but His power has not. Societal morals have been twisted, but His holiness is untainted. Economic pressures and political turmoil abound, but His love and goodness are far greater. Don’t be so consumed with the foolish trends of social media and don’t be crushed under the anxieties that mainstream media throws at you. Take heart, child of God, and learn to join in the song that David once declared: “Oh, taste and see that the LORD is good! Blessed is the man who takes refuge in him! Oh, fear the LORD, you his saints, for those who fear him have no lack! The young lions suffer want and hunger; but those who seek the LORD lack no good thing.” (Psalm 34:8-10, ESV)
