How far do we take this? Jesus doesn’t say. I can’t tell you but I can make suggestions that push you to a greater dependence on God and a greater obedience.
Albert Schweitzer left his status as a professor, gave up his organ playing and went to Africa as a missionary doctor. He believed this parable spoke directly to Europeans. He said, “Out there in the colonies, however, sits wretched Lazarus.”
Poverty is not a gift of God but a problem often propagated by the sin of numerous people. This parable attacks prophetically (“Thus saith the LORD!”) the kind of wealth that does not see poverty and suffering. It reminds us of another very important idea as well.