Justifying the Rich

I've been considering a question about the lifestyle of Christians in America. In the context of the New Testament I find it's interesting to search for some of the most pertinent examples of Christians in America. I find myself often drawn to Jesus' conversation with a certain wealthy man who asked for moral direction. I'm sure the demographic that reads my blog (my family) knows exactly which example I am speaking about. If your bible references have grown a little shady you can look it up in Mark 10. The rich man asks Jesus for instruction on how to live his life. He believes he is doing well and if we assume that he is honest he sounds like a pretty stand up rich guy. Jesus does not address any specific faults the man might have. Instead he gives him a simple suggestion. Sell your stuff and give it away to those who need it. Of course this simple command leaves the man completely depressed because as we are familiar with it's difficult to let go of the power and freedom that wealth gives you. My question, as you may have already guessed, consists of multiple factors. First, How accurate is the example of the rich man to American Christians in general. The rich man was wealthier than many around him. The wealthy man knew of a population of less wealthy individuals. The man found giving up his wealth very difficult. I think the similarities between his situation and many Americans makes this a valid analogy. Second, Is Jesus' command to the young man also pertinent to Americans Christians today. If we are to assume that Jesus had the rich man's best interests at heart then surely Jesus was attempting to free the young man from his love of wealth in order to allow him to really get to know what it's like to love God and your fellow man first. At the very least we can assume the rich man would be better off if he followed Jesus' command. I find myself considering this and I can't help but wonder what all these Christians are doing living in the top 5-10% of the wealthiest population in the world. At one point I could see how the limitations of travel, information, and cost would give American Christians an excuse to not to notice or heed the less fortunate. In our day and age it is easy to find the poor. It is well within the ability of most American's to sell their possessions and give that wealth to the needy. Looking at the New Testament I do not see many examples of Christians rolling in money. In fact most examples given show early Christians working to get by and serving much of the time. Some churches appeared to share much of their possessions in order to serve more effectively. I understand that there are exceptions to rules like this. We see many examples of God using people and putting them in wealthy situations for his service. I accept that as an important role. In those situations it seems to me that God either made his plan for that person clear beforehand or He would direct them through obvious opportunities into the places he wanted them to be. Basically this leads me to consider if American Christians in general have a valid example of what the love God and love others command means surely they should follow that example and give their wealth away. I hate not having money. I like the eating out, movies, TV, internet, video games, etc. When I think about giving everything I have away I realize how dependent I've become on those things. When I consider my place in society am I the rich man? As always I would love to hear anyone's thoughts on the topic. Enlighten me!