Christians And Debt: What Does The Bible Say?

Should A Christian Be In Debt

The Bible clearly states that God does not want us to be in debt. Nothing suggests it is a sin to be in debt as a Christian (unless you disobey God’s instruction). But Jesus came to set us free and not make us slaves. According to Proverbs, “the borrower is a slave to the lender,” which gives me the impression that God wants us debt-free.

We live in a unique time with unique challenges. Advertising and marketing are everywhere. There are many things that the world is screaming at us, but they don’t all agree with God’s Word.

Living within your means is difficult. It is hard to live within your means, especially when so many people live beyond their means and only enjoy life’s temporary pleasures. To see the long-term and think beyond what your flesh desires right now, takes great sacrifice.

Debt Is Not A Normal

While I’m not going to launch a tirade against car loans or credit cards, we must understand that debt is not normal. It is not normal or good just because most of society considers it that way.

20 Woe to those who call evil good, and good evil;
Who put darkness for light, and light for darkness;
Who put bitter for sweet, and sweet for bitter!

Isaiah 5:20

It does not matter if everyone else is doing it. God’s principles should guide us no matter how many people follow them. Not the noises of society.

Debt Is Slavery

When we enter a lender/borrower agreement, we enter a master/slave arrangement.

7 The rich rules over the poor,
And the borrower is servant to the lender.

Proverbs 22:7

As there is a bondage to being in debt, so is the freedom from it. This is something I’m still trying to master. I’m doing my best to be a good steward and be disciplined with money. And I trust God to do His part.

He would rather see us free from debt slavery than we do. Asking Him for His help and doing our part will free us from the bonds of debt.

Being Debt-Free Is Not Just For A Few

I don’t know if God wants everyone to become a millionaire. However, I do know that he wants all Christians to succeed.

27 Let them shout for joy and be glad,
Who favor my righteous cause;
And let them say continually,
“Let the Lord be magnified,
Who has pleasure in the prosperity of His servant.”

Psalm 35:27

He wants us to prosper and to use the blessings that we have received to bless others. He said, “We will lend to many countries and not borrow.” To lend to others, we must be in a financial position that will permit it.

We must give regardless of our financial situation. It’s easy to say, “Oh, I will give when there is more money.” God commands us to give even when we don’t have anything to give. Giving before you have enough is a step of faith.

41 Now Jesus sat opposite the treasury and saw how the people put money into the treasury. And many who were rich put in much. 42 Then one poor widow came and threw in two mites, which make a quadrans. 43 So He called His disciples to Himself and said to them, “Assuredly, I say to you that this poor widow has put in more than all those who have given to the treasury; 44 for they all put in out of their abundance, but she out of her poverty put in all that she had, her whole livelihood.”

Mark 12:41-44

Sowing Seed To The Harvest

The Bible clearly states that we will reap what you sow. It’s easier to think of it as a farmer when you begin to see it that way.

I am about to plant tomatoes, lettuce, herbs, and other seeds. I know I won’t get the harvest if I don’t plant any seeds. If I plant the seeds, I expect to get a lot of tomatoes, peppers, and lettuce.

Every dollar that we have should be considered a seed. You can spend it yourself, sow it in the Kingdom of God ( your local church), or give it to someone else.

Do not be deceived, God is not mocked; for whatever a man sows, that he will also reap

Galatians 6:7

It’s okay to expect a harvest from what you sow. God said so. You can trust Him. Let’s plant more seeds this week and see what God does.