Currently, the United States national debt is just under 19.9 trillion (www.usnationaldebt.org). It’s no wonder that so many Americans get caught up in the “I have to have it now” mentality. And we all know already about the keeping up with the Joneses. In Finding Nemo, Dory has a cutesy song “just keep swimming.” Now that actually does have some great meaning to it but here in America, it makes me think that “we just keep spending.” And the generations to come aren’t getting any more patient or fiscal savvy.
I’m not sure if this is true but I’ve heard that financial difficulty is the one of the leading causes of divorce. If you could do something to help save yours or your friend’s marriage, would you do it?
Proverbs 14:8 says, “The wise man looks ahead. The fool attempts to fool himself and won’t face facts.”
So what can we do to turn the tide of debt acceptance and instant gratification?
Change can happen. It starts with you and your perspective on money. I realize we aren’t all wired the same and come from the same upbringing so it’s okay if you don’t know this. It’s never too late to begin following the Word and getting out of the bondage of financial slavery. Here are 5 biblical truths:
-
Don’t spend money you don’t really have. (Credit cards & lenders)
-
Pay off all your debts like your life depends on it.
-
If you want something, save up for it.
-
“Enough” will never really be enough.
-
Learn to say NO.
Everyone needs to make a living but don’t get played like a fool from a salesperson when you hear of “incredible once in a lifetime” offers. If it sounds too good to be true, it most likely is! I’m a woman so I get it that emotion is a huge factor in a lot of instances. We like fancy jewelry, cars, makeup, buying gifts for others, clothes, decor, accessories and will sometimes cry because it’s so amazing and beautiful. But don’t let emotions and feelings dictate how you spend your hard-earned money.
If you don’t remember anything else, please remember this. When you’re in the heat of the moment, quick and emotional decisions are NEVER a good idea. This applies to money and any area of life.
Don’t be a slave in the 21st century just because everyone else is doing it. We aren’t called to live like everyone else. If you owe money to others, you are certainly indebted to them and essentially a slave to the debt, if you will.
The rich rules over the poor, and the borrower is the slave of the lender. Proverbs 22:7
Owe no one anything, except to love each other, for the one who loves another has fulfilled the law. Romans 13:8
A Prayer For You
Lord thank You for Your truth. Forgive us for not being good stewards of Your money. Show us how to get out of debt and have financial freedom. In Jesus’ name, amen.
Feel free to contact me by replying to this or The Girl Cave page if you want to talk more about money. I’d love to hear your story, chat about ideas, and join you in prayer.
For now, I want to leave you with this website that gives you a lot of free information on financial freedom. www.daveramsey.com. I encourage you to take a local Dave Ramsey class called Financial Peace University. My husband and I did this when we were first married and I highly recommend it. God bless you and have a great Independence Day holiday week!