What’s in Your Wallet?

This month we’re talking about the freedom we can find in many significant areas of life. Financial freedom is one of these. It’s a hot topic today with rising gas and food prices. Consumer debt can be financially and emotionally crippling, causing extreme anxiety, depression, and stress. It can strangle hope, destroy marriages, and prevent you from experiencing incredible opportunities to serve others. According to the Federal Reserve, in the spring of 2021, American household debt hit an incredible $14.6 trillion. That debt is shared by 340 million Americans.

There is an interesting parallel between debt and sin and their growth in our lives. Debt, like sin, does not happen automatically. As I considered this topic, I realized that debt and sin both result from an uncontrolled thought life. “Wait a minute!” you might think. “What are you taking about?”

But take a moment and think about it.

Both debt and sin are often a result of forgetting to come to God first with decisions we make. Rather than praying and discussing our purchase (or actions) with the God of the Universe who knows exactly what is good for us, we act on impulse alone. While Genesis 4:7 does not address debt, it does show how easily sin can entangle us,

“If you do well [believing Me and doing what is acceptable and pleasing to Me], will you not be accepted? And if you do not do well [but ignore My instruction], sin crouches at your door; its desire is for you [to overpower you], but you must master it.”

While debt is not sinful, it can enslave us. In a very real sense in America, we are enslaved by our credit card bills and debts. Those who live debt free can serve God in many more ways than those who are encumbered by mountains of revolving debt.

As we strive to follow God’s path for all areas of our lives, controlling our thoughts, seeking God’s wisdom, and asking Him for direction enable us to make wise choices. Proverbs 22:7 says, “The rich rule over the poor, and the borrower is the servant of the lender.”

If you want to find freedom from debt, this principle is essential to fully understand.

So, the first step in moving towards debt freedom is not the “debt snowball” or any other strategy, but instead a choice to focus our thoughts on our desire to serve God first—and not our debts. Realizing we are stewards of what God has given us and appreciating these blessings is the key.

Next week we’ll consider some other aspects of this important topic. Until then, let’s start discussing our needs and wants with God. Let’s direct our thoughts to Him realizing He loves us and genuinely cares about every aspect of our life! Let’s make choices that work for our good, please God, and help fulfill His purposes for or life.