In our ‘easy credit’ times, many people are having issues with buying things they can’t afford and ultimately failing to pay for the things they have purchased. Surveys indicate that the average American household has over $15,000 in credit card debt. That represents a good bit of buying without the ability to pay. And that leads to the rapid increase in bankruptcies being reported. One out of every 55 households in America has filed for bankruptcy.

What’s a Christian to do? There are several important things to consider:

1) Remember that everything we have is from God. We are simply stewards of His blessings, and should use all for His glory. “Let not the rich man glory in his riches, but let him that glorieth glory in this, that he understandest and knoweth God” (Jer. 9:24). “Thou shalt remember the Lord thy God, for it is he that giveth thee power to get wealth” (Deut. 8:18).

2) Be carefully on guard against materialism and covetousness. Jesus warned, “How hard it is for them that trust in riches to enter into the kingdom of God” (Mark 10:24). The desire to be rich leads to temptation and destruction (1 Tim. 6:9). Jesus advised that “a man’s life consisteth not in the abundance of the things which he possesseth” (Lk. 12:15).

3) Prudent saving is commended in the Scriptures. “There is treasure to be desired and oil in the dwelling of the wise; but a foolish man spendeth it up” (Prov. 21:20).

4) Know that God expects and demands that we pay our bills. “The wicked borroweth and payeth not again” (Ps. 37:21). “Owe no man anything, but to love one another” (Rom. 13:8).

Wise planning and careful spending are essential, not just for financial security, but also for spiritual safety. Right priorities will keep us on track in both realms. Think!
– by Greg Gwin