We live a country that encourages us to carry debt. Banks, credit card companies, and retailers make it easy to obtain a piece of plastic that enslaves us. Proverbs 22:7 says that the “borrower is a slave to the lender.” I don’t know about you but I don’t like that wording. “Slave” doesn’t sit well with me unless you are talking about serving Jesus Christ.
So, let me encourage you to sit at the kitchen table and create a budget for you. Get your spouse and get real with your income and what you’re paying out. Don’t let you money or your bills master you…you be the master of the financial direction you want to go. Here are some core principles that might help you navigate the culture of debt America advises.
Curb your appetite. Greg Laurie says “If your output exceeds your income, then your upkeep will be your downfall.” So very true. Paul says in Philippians 4:11-12 that he’s found how to be content whether he’s well off or in need. That can only be found in Jesus. Stopping seeking what the world offers and start looking to Jesus to guide your life.
Discipline your eyes. Ever notice grocery stores know right where to put the sugared cereal? Yep. Right where the 5 year old can see it. That’s what the world does. It tries to pull our vision off of Christ and on to the things that just don’t matter. The half-brother of Jesus, James says “We don’t have because we don’t ask God.” Maybe we need to refocus on the abundant life that only Jesus can offer rather than the latest gadget.
Finally, guard your pursuits. Jesus says in Matthew 5, we can’t serve both God and Mammon. Anything that pulls us away from God is Mammon. It’s more than just money. We should be pursuing a life that radiates Jesus and not a garage full of stuff. Pursue that kind of life that is focused on looking like Jesus and give things away rather than collect them.
Remember, it’s not what’s in your wallet but who’s in your heart. Blessings on your journey.