I hope this day finds all of you healthy and whole. I just finished brewing some Door County Autumn Spice Coffee and I sliced a Honey Crisp apple into wedges, I am debating as to whether or not to add some peanut butter to the slices. Now on to another Godly principle for September.
In todays world it is very hard to stay out of debt. I believe the cost of a home prevents most people from purchasing a home without a loan. That's too bad. But we can control our spending by asking ourselves this one question before we jump into a purchase. "Do I need that? Or is it just something I want?" We often purchase out of impulse instead of need. Even if we do need an item, can it wait? If it can wait until it can be purchased with cash instead of a credit card, then we should wait. Keep an eye on your finances. Look them over weekly and examine any purchases that do not seem wise, six days later. Then learn, not to make the same bad choice.
Emergencies come up and surprise us when we can least afford them. I know of a young man who just had to purchase a car out of "need". If he took the bus for another six months he could have had enough money down to obtain a 0% loan. He would have still borrowed money, but at 0% interest. His impatience cost him 4.5% on his loan.
Did we buy a home we can afford or a home we just had to have, but can't really afford? When we default because of our own fault, we do not represent God to others in a good way.
God's Word has a lot to say about debt. But It doesn't say … it's a sin to borrow. While the Bible offers many warnings about the dangers of debt, it never says that you are out of God's will or violating one of God's commandments when you borrow. We can debate the wisdom of incurring debt under certain circumstances, but it's never a black-and-white issue. And there are cases where debt is simply unavoidable - medical emergencies, job layoffs, and death, for instance. Sometimes debt cannot be avoided.
However it does say this. It's wrong not to repay debts. Psalm 37:21 states, "The wicked borrow and do not repay." The conclusion is obvious: if you don't repay your debts, you're what the Bible calls "wicked." Does this mean that it is always wrong for a Christian to declare bankruptcy? Not necessarily. Our legal system allows individuals and businesses in distress to regroup and re-establish themselves under the protection of bankruptcy laws. Ultimately, however, a believer has a moral obligation to repay his or her creditors to the best of their ability.
Money issues have ruined many lives. It is best to be wise stewards over God's gifts to us. Practice honesty in your business dealings and teach it to your children.
God Bless,
Marty
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