“The rich rule over the poor, and the borrower is servant to the lender.”Proverbs 22:7 (NIV)
“Uh oh!Our ‘no payments for six months’ big screen TV bill just came,” he calls from the mailbox.
“No problem.Just pay the minimum,” she responds, handing him the checkbook.
“Yeah, but after we make all our payments we won’t have enough left to live on.”
“OK.We’ll just charge the groceries.Then we’ll have money left over.”
Sound familiar?Easy credit is deceptive.Time payments can spell real trouble.If we just pay the minimum, it can take almost 50 years to clear off a $5000 debt.Even juggling our burdens with creative financing doesn't help.We're trapped.
How have we fallen into this snare?We may be facing a genuine need.But often the problem lies within us.Perhaps we're seeking status.Or maybe our instant gratification culture has us by the throat.Either way, we're in chains.
Consider this.We become slaves to debt when we take on obligations greater than what we can pay.Now a slave must serve the master.But no one can serve two masters.So if we're slaves to debt, we aren't free to serve God.We’re separated from the true provider.
It's time to stop and think.Are we incurring debt to finance possessions that bring glory to God - or glory to ourselves?Are we exchanging our financial ability to serve him for a momentary indulgence? What a terrible price to pay for our instant pleasure.
Becoming debt free usually requires pain and sacrifice.Here are some suggestions to break out of bondage:
·Admit that you've mishandled your finances.It's time to change.
·Make a debt reduction plan and stick to it.No excuses.
·Turn your checkbook over to God.He's a great accountant.
God created money to be spent for his purposes.But if you must use it all to pay off a debt, you've stopped putting him first.Are you ready to start serving God instead of the credit card company?Break out of debtor's prison today.
Living for God (TM) offers resources on Christian living. Check them out at www.livingforgod.net or call (719) 578-8837.
