Proverbs 22:7 says “The rich rule over the poor and the borrower is slave to the lender.”
Well, it’s that time of year again…when all the holiday credit card bills start arriving in the mail. If you went a little overboard on your Christmas shopping this year, today’s verse probably strikes a chord. The post holiday debt hangover can certainly make you feel like a slave to the credit card company.
What’s done is done, but while that feeling is still fresh in your mind, it’s worth remembering two key things that the Bible says about debt.
First, it doesn’t forbid debt, but it does say that it should be used wisely. Using your credit card can feel like freedom, but it actually commits your future time and resources which limits your ability to respond to God’s leading in your life. Before reaching for our credit cards we should always ask the question “Is this purchase worth the limits that it is going to place on both me and God as I work to pay it back.”
Second, the Bible says that once we’re in debt we should get out as soon as possible. Romans 13:8 says “Let no debt remain outstanding.” The use of debt has become so prevalent in our society that it is almost a given that we would all have mortgage debt, credit card debt, student loans and the like. As we saw in today’s verse, though, this is like being in perpetual bondage. Wise use of debt means that we should do everything we can to pay off those debts as soon as possible.
By following these two key principles, you will not only minimize stress and uncertainty, but you will also free up your time, attention, and resources to be used by God.
Thanks for reading. Touch base if I can ever help.
Joe
