Debt—Part One
For better or worse, debt is commonplace in America. If we own a house, we’re probably paying it off. If we’ve been to college, we probably have outstanding loans. If we own a car less than 7 years old, we probably receive a monthly bill for it.
The average American spends 110% of their income each year.
We all know that debt is bad. No one likes to be in debt. We complain about our house payment, our car payment, credit card debt and our school loans, yet we accept these things as a part of American life.
However, as part of a Christian community, debt is unacceptable. It’s a fundamental road block to full participation in community.
Debt prevents us from living a life fully rooted in Christ. We simply can’t spontaneously respond to God’s call when we’re burdened with debt.
When we have debt, we can’t leave our jobs if God directs us to. We can’t leave our houses or our cars. If we owe someone money it would be dishonest for us to simply stop paying.
As Christians it is our responsibility to pay our debts, Paul told the Romans to “Give everyone what you owe him: if you owe taxes, pay taxes; if revenue, then revenue; if respect, then respect; if honor, then honor.” Romans 13:7.
Failing to honor our word reflects poorly on our integrity and treats our brother unfairly. This isn’t to say that incurring debt is acceptable as long as we are faithful to our creditor.
Paul was so adamant about avoiding worldly attachments that he even told his followers not to get married if they could help it.
“I would like you to be from concern. An unmarried man is concerned about the Lord’s affairs —how he can please the Lord. But a married man is concerned about the affairs of this world – how he can please his wife – and his interests are divided… I am saying this for your own good, not to restrict you, but that you may live in a right way in undivided devotion to the Lord.” I Corinthians 7:32. If these are Paul’s words on marriage, which he admits some of us cannot avoid, what would he say about debt, which all of us can certainly avoid?
When we decide that something is so important to have that it’s worth going into debt for we betray our own interests.
John told the early church, “Do not love the world or anything in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the father is not in him.” 1 John 2:15. When we purchase something on credit, whether a house, car or tuition, not only do we demonstrate our attachment to the material thing but we fail to trust that God will deliver at the appropriate time.
Our willingness to go into debt reflects an ugly state of our hearts.
“For the grace of God that brings salvation has appeared to all men. It teaches us to say “No” to ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright and godly lives in this present age, while we wait for the blessed hope—the glorious appearing of our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ...” Titus 2:12. Having the ability to say no to worldly things is a gift from God, but like all gifts, including the gift of salvation, we must choose to accept it.
The Lord knows what we need. If we are faithful and put our full trust in him he will provide it.
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