Click the link above to see how Stanley lives.
The Bible & Debt
We all have had some form of debt or another in our lives. I’d imagine some of us have felt very much like Stanley. Heck, some of us may be Stanley. God has a lot to say about money and debt in the Bible. Debt is never called a sin, but it is painted in a very dangerous light. In his book “Never Enough” Ron Blue lays out some very concise points regarding debt and scripture.
Debt enslaves us: “The rich rule over the poor, and the borrower is a slave to the lender.“ Proverbs 22:7 Debt must be repaid: “Do not be one who shakes hands in pledge or puts up security for debts; if you lack the means to pay, your very bed will be snatched from under you.” Proverbs 22:26-27 There is a real cost to borrowing: “Suppose one of you wants to build a tower. Won’t you first sit down and estimate the cost to see if you have enough money to complete it? For if you lay the foundation and are not able to finish it, everyone who sees it will ridicule you,” Luke 14:28-29 Debt presumes the future: “Now listen, you who say, 'Today or tomorrow we will go to this or that city, spend a year there, carry on business and make money.' Why, you do not even know what will happen tomorrow. What is your life? You are a mist that appears for a little while and then vanishes. Instead, you ought to say, 'If it is the Lord’s will, we will live and do this or that.' As it is, you boast in your arrogant schemes. All such boasting is evil.” James 4:13-16 Heart Issue vs. Debt Issue
Ron Blue also said, “Debt is a money issue telling us that something in our heart is resulting in a problem in our wallet.” What is your debt telling you about your heart? Is there a lack of contentment, lack of self-control, envy, looking for validation from the outside world? Fix the heart problem and you’ll fix the debt problem.
Make a Debt Decision Pleasing to God
The next time you have the option to take on debt, think about what God has to say about debt. Think long and hard about its effect on you, your family, God’s Kingdom and God’s Mission. Then you’ll be able to make a decision pleasing to God (with His money) and it will not leave you to financial trouble down the road.
Resource For a more detailed look at financial contentment and what the Bible has to say, check out Ron Blue’s book “NeverEnough.”
Thad Hardin
MD5 Facilitator