SERVANT TO THE LENDER:
When in debt, we become a servant to the lender. Debt is all the money you owe to someone. Did you know that God warns us against getting into debt?
In the Bible, God has provided us with practical guidance on how to live above the stresses of life, and we are given instructions on how to manage the resources He has given us.
In this series,
From a biblical perspective, we are looking at how to manage effectively the resources God has given us while prioritizing What Really Matters.
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Talking to the Father
Holy Father, you have said we should be lenders and not borrowers. Yet many of us have become servants to the lenders. Help us get out of debt. That we may become, as you have said, lenders and not borrowers. In Jesus’ Name, Amen
Many are living today on the money they hope to earn in the future. Debt involves spending future money so that we can live a certain lifestyle today.
In our modern-day society, many people are deep in debt. And most have borrowed far into the future. Being in debt today is seen as a normal part of life. But the Bible discourages debt? As a matter of fact, it makes at least 26 references to debt, and they all speak negatively regarding owing money.
For instance, Proverbs 22:7 tells us that when we become a borrower, we become a servant to the lender.
“The rich rules over the poor, and the borrower is servant to the lender” (Proverbs 22:7, NKJV).
Does this mean that it is a sin to borrow?
No, the Bible doesn’t say that borrowing money is a sin. But what it does do is warn us of some of the bad consequences that often occur when we borrow.
Moreover, in terms of financial responsibility, Paul gives us this advice in Romans 13: 7, 8 regarding our obligation to the debtors: Romans 13:7-8
7 Render therefore to all their due: taxes to whom taxes are due, customs to whom customs, fear to whom fear, honor to whom honor.
8 Owe no one anything except to love one another, for he who loves another has fulfilled the law. (Romans 13:7, 8).
The point is that owing money is never a good thing. Yet there are so many people and even governments that are deep in debt.
Thus, this week we look at the reason for the debt problem. And how to deal with it.
An important principle about debt is found in Deuteronomy 28:1, 2, 12. In it, we find God’s plan for His children regarding debt. Though God was addressing the Hebrews of that day, we are his children, adopted into his family by the blood of Jesus. Thus, it also applies to us.
1 “Now it shall come to pass, if you diligently obey the voice of the Lord your God, to observe carefully all His commandments which I command you today, that the Lord your God will set you high above all nations of the earth.
2 And all these blessings shall come upon you and overtake you, because you obey the voice of the Lord your God:
12 The Lord will open to you His good treasure, the heavens, to give the rain to your land in its season, and to bless all the work of your hand. You shall lend to many nations, but you shall not borrow. (Deuteronomy 28:1-2,12)
Studies show that people have three reasons for money problems or getting into debt.
We address them here in the order in which it is most often the case: (1) Ignorance, (2) selfishness and greed, (3) personal misfortune
Let’s look at these reasons for financial difficulties in more detail.
- The First reason for financial difficulties – Financial Ignorance. Many, even the most educated, are financially ignorant. Many were simply never exposed to the biblical or even secular principles of money management. But there is hope! There is a lot of information available on money management. Here we will look at some of the basic Bible principles designed to help us manage our money better.
- The second reason for financial difficulties – Greed, or Selfishness. The thing is in response to advertisements and personal desires, we have the tendency to spend more than we should or can afford.
Many are not willing to live in cheaper homes, drive cheaper cars, or wear clothes they can afford. More than that, many people reject God’s command to return a faithful tithe that is 10% of all their income and to give a generous offering. Some feel they are too poor to give, so they lose out on the blessings that God promises in Malachi 3:10, 11; and Matthew 6:33.
Malachi 3:10-11
10 Bring all the tithes into the storehouse, That there may be food in My house, And try Me now in this,” Says the Lord of hosts, “If I will not open for you the windows of heaven And pour out for you such blessing That there will not be room enough to receive it.
11 “And I will rebuke the devourer for your sakes, So that he will not destroy the fruit of your ground, Nor shall the vine fail to bear fruit for you in the field,” Says the Lord of hosts; (Malachi 3:10-11)
Matthew 6:33
33 But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you. (Matthew 6:33)
There is, however, hope even for this group, but they will need to change. But that change can come only from them asking God to change their hearts. This change requires that they learn to be happy with what they have.
- Finally, the third reason people find themselves in financial difficulty is Misfortune. Some people experience serious illnesses and do not have adequate insurance. Some may experience divorce and loss of access to funds once available to them. Or they may have a spouse that is spend-thrift and not disciplined in paying the bills. Or they may experience some type of natural disaster that may have wiped out all that they have ever possessed.
Still others may have been born in poverty and were not able to get beyond the poverty line. Nevertheless, there is hope for these people, as well. Though their path is more difficult, their troubles can be overcome. Change can come with assistance from others and perhaps godly advice about money through the aid of a financial counselor that bases their counseling on biblical principles.
They may also if able need to go back to school so they can get a better job. Furthermore, they will need to work hard, and with prayer and effort, God can bless them.
Whatever the reason we are indebted, we have the responsibility of paying our debtors. Perhaps, we owe money because of the bad decisions we have made. But, whatever the reason for our money problems, there is hope. We can pay back the money we owe. But first, we will need to make some changes in how we spend money.
Notice what it says in the book Adventist Home regarding being financially responsible and the need to keep an accurate account of spending: (Split)
To desire to bear your own weight and not to eat the bread of dependence is right. It is a noble, generous ambition that dictates the wish to be self-supporting. Industrious habits and frugality are necessary.
Many, very many, have not so educated themselves that they can keep their expenditures within the limit of their income. They do not learn to adapt themselves to circumstances, and they borrow and borrow again and again and become overwhelmed in debt, and consequently, they become discouraged and disheartened. . . .
All should learn how to keep accounts. Some neglect this work as nonessential, but this is wrong. All expenses should be accurately stated.—The Adventist Home, p. 374.
Paul, in I Timothy, identifies the key element of financial responsibility. It is found in godliness and contentment.
I Timothy 6:6-9
6 Now godliness with contentment is great gain.
7 For we brought nothing into this world, and it is certain we can carry nothing out.
8 And having food and clothing, with these we shall be content.
9 But those who desire to be rich fall into temptation and a snare, and into many foolish and harmful lusts which drown men in destruction and perdition. (I Timothy 6:6-9)
For those desiring to become financially responsible who are deep in debt, there is hope, but it requires counseling. That counseling is freely given in God’s word, the Bible. For more, view Day 3: Following Godly Counsel
If you don’t have a church home and wish to return tithe or give an offering consider giving online,
@ Adventistgiving.org
my local Church:
Hebron Seventh-day Adventist Church 7902 Wheatly Street Houston, TX 77088
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