Sabbath: Debt – A Daily Decision
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Read for This Week’s Study: Ps. 37:21, Matt. 4:3-10, Matt. 6:33, Deut. 28:12, Prov. 13:11, Prov. 21:5, 2 Cor. 4:18.
Memory Text: “Give to everyone what you owe them: If you owe taxes, pay taxes; if revenue, then revenue; if respect, then respect; if honor, then honor. Let no debt remain outstanding, except the continuing debt to love one another, for whoever loves others has fulfilled the law” (Romans 13:7-8, NIV).
Sometimes you can be lucky enough to find someone who is willing to lend you money. Maybe that person does it with a pure motive – that is, he or she actually wants to help you out of a financial jam. But in most cases, people don’t lend you money out of the goodness of their hearts. They lend you money because they want to earn more (of your) money in return.
We should do all that we can to avoid debt. Of course, in certain circumstances, such as buying a house or a car, building a church, or getting an education, we need to borrow money. But it must be done as wisely as possible, with the intent of getting out of the debt as soon as possible.
Yet we must be careful. Spending money we don’t have is the gateway for God’s people to “make covetousness and love of earthly treasures the ruling traits of their character. As long as these traits rule, salvation and grace stand back.” – Ellen G. White, Early Writings, p. 267.
We are to improve our skills and abilities so that we can stay disciplined and do all that we can to avoid debt. This week we will look at what the Bible says concerning debt.
Study this week’s lesson to prepare for Sabbath, March 17.
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"Spending money we don’t have is the gateway for God’s people to “make covetousness and love of earthly treasures the ruling traits of their character. As long as these traits rule, salvation and grace stand back.” – Ellen G. White, Early Writings, p. 267".
As a generalisation, while the above statement is true for a proportion of 'spenders', there is another proportion of 'shop-a-holics' that have a different underlying motivation that is driving their spending (ie, 'comfort-shopping' as opposed to covetousness and love of earthly treasures).
I only mention this because the 'remedy' for these two groups is different. For the first group, it is more about cultivating greater self-discipline (empowered by the Holy Spirit of course) - as this weeks lesson outlines. For the second group, a different capacity needs to be developed.
So, if you are a 'comfort-spender', do not be discouraged that you have tried applying greater discipline with little apparent success. Rather, take heart that your 'remedy' is different to the 'strategies' being outlined in this week's lesson.
Nothing against what the lesson is outlining for this week - just hilighting that spending that results in unhealthy debt is not a one-size-fits-all phenomenon with a one-size-fits-all 'remedy'.
Just my observations from having talked with those who work with people experiencing uncontrolled debt...
Perhaps the remedy for "comfort shopping" begins with recognizing the problem for what it is?
Then, perhaps, the shopping habit can be replaced with a better, more financially and spiritually healthy habit - something that will contribute towards finding genuine comfort in Christ?
I suggest "replacing" the habit because just "stopping" a habit does not usually work.
Would like to see suggestions from our readers.
This topic is very relevant for the modern world. The modern day economy is run through debt; loans and credit sales are widely available and its disturbing to note that the average human being from countries with functioning financial sectors is saddled with debts and literally works to pay debts for the rest of their lives. Starting with student loans, vehicles and mortgage etc, there is hardly few who have escaped that. A statement often attributed to Albert Einstein goes this way;" Compound interest is the eight wonder of the world, those who understand it earn it and those who don't understand it pay it". The advise from the lesson author is helpful, only borrow wise and when its necessary
Borrowing that do not have soon inflow should be discouraged. Such will affect the peaceful relationship with others. We need not delay in paying back .What we are before men matters. Otherwise we fall short of representing Christ and our gospel trusted in us.