Christianity: Money Matters

Debt is a significant problem in the United States. The average credit card balance per household in 2001 was $7,500. By all implications things have been getting worse over the last five years. The “buy now and pay later” concept can be valuable if used wisely; however, too many people let their debt get out of control. Unfortunately, too many Christians let their debt get out of control.
Although it may be necessary to occasionally take on debt, it is not a good habit. The Bible talks about problems associated with accumulating too much debt. Solomon said, “The rich ruleth over the poor; And the borrower is servant to the lender” (Proverbs 22:7 ASV). The Bible does not lack in financial advice. In fact, finances come up repeatedly throughout scripture. Jesus himself often dealt with such issues, or included them in his parables (Matthew 6:19-21; 18:21ff; Luke 12:13-21; 18:18-30). Paul reveals that money issues are a problem for Christians too. He told Timothy that many had been lead astray from the faith because of their attitude toward earthly wealth (1Tim 6:6-10, 17-19)
Debt, if we allow it, will rule our lives. There are people in our country that work hours of overtime to pay for their oversized homes, fancy new cars, and dream vacations. As a result, little time is left for family, friends, and most importantly– God. Jesus predicted that this would happen. Remember the parable of the sower? Some seed is sown among the thorns, it grows up, and is choked out by the cares of the world, deceitfulness of riches, and desires for other things (Mark 4:18-19). This may be the biggest problem among Christians today.
Please do not misunderstand my point. There is nothing wrong with buying a home, a car, and or saving for a nice vacation. I hope to do all of these things at some point in my life, must of us do. The problem is, too many people, Christians included, are forced to give all of their servitude to their lenders because of the poor financial decisions made on a daily basis. Solomon’s words of wisdom, “the borrower is servant to the lender,” must be considered before we begin indiscriminately swiping plastic to meet our hearts’ desires. Consider Paul’s words in Romans 13:7-8:
Render to all their dues: tribute to whom tribute is due; custom to whom custom; fear to whom fear; honor to whom honor. Owe no man anything, save to love one another: for he that loveth his neighbor hath fulfilled the law. (Romans 13:7-8 ASV)
We better be careful about debt, because Christians have the responsibility to pay what is owed. Whether it is paying taxes to our country or paying respect to our nation’s leader, Christians must not hold back what is owed to another. Christians should avoid bad debt, and certainly bankruptcy, at all cost. The first step, of course, is enacting responsible spending habits. We are ambassadors for Christ, and as such we must do our best to prove that we are trustworthy and honorable.
Second, we need to stop worrying about how rich we look. The desire to appear affluent has contributed to the debt troubles of countless individuals. Sadly, this longing to radiate a wealthy aura pervades our society. In truth, such people are slaves to their “wealthy” behavior. Solomon strongly addressed this issue:
There is one who makes himself rich, yet has nothing; And one who makes himself poor, yet has great riches.” (Proverbs 13:7 NKJV), and “He that loveth pleasure shall be a poor man: He that loveth wine and oil shall not be rich” (Proverbs 21:17 ASV).
Christians need to avoid this want for a moneyed appearance. It shows an overemphasis on the temporal and a lack of concern for the eternal. Paul is clear that the love of money is the basis of all sorts of evil. Greed often enslaves people to their debts and alleviates their sense of spiritual obligation. It is sad when we feel compelled to place our material duties above our spiritual duties. Do not let debt put you in that position.
For most of us, debt is incurred when we purchase the “wants,” rather than the “needs” of life. Giving up a few wants is a small price to pay to help ensure undivided devotion to the Lord. Would you not agree? We need to live within our means, and discard the tendency to “put it on the card.” Not only does bad debt leave us in spiritual poverty, it often results in physical privation. Proverbs states, “Better is he that is lightly esteemed, and hath a servant, Than he that honoreth himself, and lacketh bread” (Proverbs 12:9 ASV). What’s the point? People that look rich rarely are.
The devil works in various ways to distract us from our spiritual service.
Those who enslave themselves to their monthly bills grant the devil success in his mission to cark God’s people with worldly diversions. It is impossible for us to be a living sacrifice to God when we are working ourselves to death to pay off outrageous debts (Romans 12:1).
I like what Thomas J. Stanley, Ph.D. wrote in his book The Millionaire Mind, “I taught my sons and daughters that money is not their god. You control it...not let it control you.” We cannot afford to become slaves to debt, because we owe our service to God. We must be slaves of righteousness (Romans 6:18). Remember, “No one can serve two masters” (Matthew 6:24). If you let debt become your master, it will cost you eternal life– that is a debt you can never repay.