MONEY, MONEY, MONEY

MONEY, MONEY, MONEY...

People say that there are three things you never talk about with other people outside of your family: politics, religion and money. 

I want to break the rules a little bit and talk about, MONEY. Why are people, so funny about money?

For those that read the scripture know that we do not own this money, but are mere stewards of this resource given to us by God to do his work, however shape or form that may look like in our lives. So why are people so possessive over something they do not even own in the first place? I found myself thinking about this when I starting getting possessive about the money I make.  What are your thoughts on this?

Then I started thinking about how debt is such a big part of our lives here in North America. It is actually a social norm to have some kind of debt in your financial portfolio.  We pride ourselves as a nation for being a credit driven society. And yes, I know debt can be good, it is advantageous for starting up new businesses, purchasing real estate etc.  But did anyone take the time to count the cost? Also, are these Godly views or worldly views that we have been led to believe?

From a very basic and individual level, most people incur their debt from credit card purchases of things they don’t need, gets lines of credit to purchase a car etc. they don’t need or student loan debt for an education that may or may not guarantee success or financial prosperity in the future. All in the name of credit. 

I am not saying any of this to put anyone done. I, myself have done 2 of these 3 stupid things. I got into way too much student loan debt and put unnecessary expenses on my credit card.

But what does the scripture say about debt? There are many scripture verses on debt and money but I especially like Proverbs 6:4-5, which tells us:

                “Allow no sleep to your eyes, no slumber to your eyelids. Free yourself like a gazelle from the hands of the hunter, like a bird from the snare of the fowler” Proverbs 6:4-5

I particularly like this scripture because it has a lot of imagery in it. We are to “allow no sleep, or slumber” (aka, work our butts off) until we are financially out of the “hands of the hunter” (aka creditor).  Proverbs is a book of wisdom and what wiser advice can there be about money than this.

Another great money verse I like in Proverbs is:

                “The rich will rule over the poor, and the borrower is slave to the lender” Proverbs 22:7

I believe that God makes us stewards of his money so we can do three major things with it: save, spend and give.  But, how can we give what we do not have?  Those who are not in debt are able to spend more, save more and most importantly, give more to their church, community etc. I believe that this is what the scripture is trying to tell us.

After learning this information through scripture, reading, and following Dave Ramsey (a Christian financial advisor http://www.daveramsey.com/home/ ), I have taken a new perspective on debt, and want nothing to do with it.

I am trying with “gazelle intensity” to get out of every debt I have as soon as I possibly can. With God’s help and guidance, I know I can get there. How do you feel about debt, and money? What are your views on this topic according to scripture?

PQ