American Dream or American Nightmare?

My friend Josh is back from Africa and as he talked about it he told a story of a cab driver whom he was talking to. The driver was asking various questions about America, what it was like, the rumors he heard, etc. After Josh had answered his questions the driver responded by saying he was glad he didn't live in America, he was glad he didn't have all the stuff we have. He was happy being poor and living in a third world country. How many of us Americans, if asked, would think that people like this cab driver wouldn't want to trade places with us in an instant? He said that they are more thankful for the things that they have than we are, and who can argue with him? He said that they are closer to God because they have less to distract them, less that can become idols in their lives. Once again, who can argue with that. Though there may be a healthy level of "stuff" you can have and still keep God in focus do most of us stop at that level? It's quite the reality check when you really think about it.