Counsel #3 — Cost Of Living

Picture: Counsel #3 — Cost Of LivingCWe 155.1

Metropolises or cities tend to have more expensive housing, food, transportation, and utilities than rural areas. It can be tough to make ends meet in the cities, especially for young adults or those on fixed incomes.^{[165]https://www.pymnts.com/consumer-finance/2023/millennials-have-the-most-difficulties-making-ends-meet/}CWe 155.2

However, an individual or family who considers relocating from a large city to a rural area must weigh the decision carefully and prayerfully. Prayerfully consider questions such as: Is there gainful employment available? Or will you need commute to work in the city? If so, will you be able to afford the price of fuel to do so? Could you afford the mortgage payments or rent and utilities? Is the decision sustainable? What is the counsel of trusted Christian advisors? Ask God to make a way for you to do His will.CWe 155.3

“The rich rules over the poor, and the borrower is servant to the lender.” Proverbs 22:7CWe 155.4

“There is not one family in a hundred who will be improved physically, mentally, or spiritually, by residing in the city. Faith, hope, happiness, can far better be gained in retired places, where there are fields and hills and trees. Take your children away from the sights and sounds of the city… and their minds will become more healthy. It will be found easier to bring home to their hearts the truth of the Word of God.” Ellen White in Country Living, p. 13CWe 155.5

Reflect: What factors influenced you to choose the location where you currently live?CWe 155.6