Intro
“Debt Free Living God’s Way” is a choice. So is financial bondage. According to God’s Word, if you choose to use money in ways pleasing to God, you begin to experience “Debt Free Living God’s Way.” Likewise, if you choose to use money in ways displeasing to God, you will find yourself in or headed into financial bondage. Let’s consider what financial bondage is, what it looks like, what are the symptoms and the causes, and finally what can you do to move away from financial bondage toward financial freedom and “Debt Free Living God’s Way.”
What is financial bondage?
Financial bondage is an attitude more than a condition. It’s when you choose to place anything material above your relationship with God. Please note that financial bondage has little to do with the amount of money you owe. We counsel many folks who are deep in debt because of poor prior spending habits or “unplanned emergencies.” Yet, these people enjoy “Debt Free Living God’s Way!” They give to their church and have a repayment plan for their creditors. They go on vacations, send their children to good schools, drive older but safe cars, and have the proper insurance, etc. They are in debt but enjoy “Debt Free Living God’s Way.” They have no stress over their finances. They spend time--quality time--in a personal relationship with God.
One the other hand, there are people who make lots of money and don’t owe anyone anything, yet they are very stressed over money. They are stressed to the point that they no longer have time for God or their family or friends. Quiet times are a thing of the past. Church on Sunday becomes another place to have a business meeting. Evenings and weekends are spent at the office rather than with the family. These folks have chosen to place the material areas of their lives above their relationship with God and they are experiencing financial bondage.
What are some of the symptoms of financial bondage?
What are some of the “things” you might see operating in your material life that lead to financial bondage?
• Worry: Uncontrolled anxiety over retirement, job security, old age, total health, etc.
• Anger: Do you have periodic emotional flare-ups linked to periodic financial flare-ups? Or perhaps you get angry over what others have and you don’t have?
• Greed: Do you find yourself wanting the “most,” the “biggest,” the “best, or what someone else has?
• Resentment: This is when you blame someone else for your financial situation.
• Self-indulgence: Do you buy things with little or no utility?
• Poor record keeping: Not balancing your checkbook and not living on a budget is a symptom of financial bondage.
These are some of the symptoms of financial bondage. These are the “things” you might try to “fix.” But remember, these are symptoms. They are not the underlying problems. God’s Word says financial difficulties are symptoms–the problems are spiritual.
What are some underlying “spiritual” problems that lead to financial bondage?
Here are just a few:
• Financial ignorance: Proverbs 24:3-4 says, “By wisdom a house is built, and through understanding it is established; through knowledge its rooms are filled with rare and beautiful treasures.” Remember, you get into financial trouble, for the most part, because you don’t know what God’s Word has to say about wealth and stewardship. You need to remember that it is God’s wisdom and knowledge that you lack and that He promises to give you both if you ask (James 1:1). Continue >>
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