Monday Motivation: Statistics

A college course entitled "Statistics" sounds about as thrilling to me as watching golf on TV (seriously, TV golf is the worst amiright?), but I love some good numbers to back up a cause.  These statistics are shocking, and they drive home the point that materialism in this country has gotten way out of control.  Like seriously.

*American families have an average of $16,000 in credit card debt

*Americans altogether have a staggering $747 BILLION in credit card debt (that's a B, folks, not an M)

*In 2005, the wealthiest 20% of the world accounted for 76.6% of total private consumption.  The poorest fifth just 1.5%.

*Almost half the world — over three billion people — live on less than $2.50 a day.

*At least 80% of humanity lives on less than $10 a day.

*1.6 billion people — a quarter of humanity — live without electricity.

*1.1 billion people in developing countries have inadequate access to water, and 2.6 billion lack basic sanitation.

And here are some more sobering facts.

HOW? How is it okay for us to continue spending money on unnecessary crap, when we see these cold hard facts?  How is it okay to rationalize another new Lush shirt, another pair of Kendra Scott earrings, or another pair of Ugg boots when 80% of the world's people live on less than $10 a day?  What if we took the money we've been spending at the mall and spent it on helping others?  

I've done a great job of ignoring those in poverty - out of sight, out of mind is a real thing.  And I've done a great job at filling my giant walk-in closet with things I "needed" or "deserved."  These shocking and sad statistics are my motivation today to rid myself of my materialistic attitudes and habits.  Jesus tells us what he thinks about material possessions, and it's time I stop ignoring Him.