Debt is a habit most Christians have cultivated over time and it has trapped so many. It is indeed a serious concern in our society. Debt is a way of life for most governments and the vast majority of people worldwide, with varying degrees of severity. There are many different perspectives on debt and its consequences, but what really counts, particularly for professing Christians, is what the Bible says about it.
There are surprisingly few scriptures that address the issue of debt. Literal translations, depending on which one you choose, only display 10 to 12 verses on the matter, and none of them address the morality of the situation. Some Christians who are deeply in debt seem to feel that God has promised to help them out of their issues. The passage they generally point to is Philippians 4:19. “And my God will supply every need of yours according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus.” That’s true, of course, and God will supply our needs—in the manner He thinks is best.
What is Debt?
Debt is defined as anything owing or due, most often money. That is it! Notice that the definition does not categorize debt as good or bad; it is just a condition. Being in debt is owing someone money with the expectation that it will be paid back at some time in the future. To attach morality to a debt issue is to establish an opinion on why the debt was produced and then evaluate the person(s) responsible.
How to Break the Debt Cycle
Submit to the Lordship of Jesus Christ
No one can serve two masters. You will detest one and adore the other; you will be loyal to one and despised by the other. You can’t serve both God and money. Matthew 6:24 NLT.
Commit to becoming a person of integrity
By this, I know that You are happy with me, for my adversary cannot defeat me. As for me, You protect my honesty and keep me before Your face eternally. Ps. 41:11-12
Dedicate yourself to studying the Bible and living according to God’s ways
This Book of the Law must not leave from your lips, but you shall meditate on it day and night, that you may observe to do according to everything that is written in it. For then you will make your path wealthy and achieve great achievement. Josh. 1:8
Believe in God’s promises.
“You must grow and maintain faith in God even when you are not in a crisis – John Piper. If you wait until a crisis occurs, you will not have the resources or depth required to keep our faith effectively.” If your faith lacks depth, you will struggle and want to depend on your own intellect and might. Concentrate on improving in this area every day. Some scriptural references; Psalm 28:7, Proverbs 3:5–6, Romans 15:13, Hebrews 13:8
Praise God throughout the storm
It is simple to thank God when things are going smoothly. Choosing to worship God during a crisis might be difficult, but the fact is that God is there in our sorrow, suffering, and times of darkness. When you worship God, you recognize His sovereignty, faithfulness, and mercy, among other attributes. Praise shifts our emphasis away from ourselves and back to God. It also invites His presence, as He draws near to us as we thank Him. Some scriptural references; Psalm 9:9, 22:3, 59:16, and 107:13.
Learn to be content with what you have
However, real godliness with contentment is in itself a tremendous fortune. After all, we brought nothing with us when we entered the world, and we cannot take anything with us when we go. So, if we have adequate food and clothes, let us be satisfied. 1 Timothy 6:6-8 NLT.