- Debt presumes upon the future (James 4:14)
- Debt can bypass God's direction in our lives (Jeremiah 29:11)
- Debt causes us to miss opportunities to allow God to demonstrate His faithfulness (Lamentations 3:22-23)
- Debt makes us miss opportunities for our faith to grow (2 Thessalonians 1:3)
- Debt leads us into bondage (Proverbs 22:7)
- Debt opens the door for us to become wicked (Psalms 37:21)
- Debt sometimes is too risky and just not wise (Proverbs 17:18)
Besides borrowing in general being discouraged, the Bible talks specifically about certain types of debt. Now that we have established that God generally discourages debt and some of the reasons why He discourages it, the next time we get together we can look at some specific types of debt. We might be surprised at what the Bible says about certain types of debt and that God has some stronger words than just general caution.
I would welcome any personal experiences how debt has affected your personal walk with the Lord.
2 comments:
Hello George...
Question for you... we are suppose to keep away from debt. We are also suppose to be fruitful and multiply. My husband and I are on the fence about having more children. I understand that having kids in today's age is a GREAT act of faith and trust in Christ. Do you think its wise to have more children KNOWING that things will be very tight financially?
Thank you for your insight.
Dear Mrs. Anonymous...
This is an excellent question that very few young couples give a second thought to today. I commend you and your husband for giving this issue consideration.
Undoubtedly, children are a blessing from God. (Psalms 127:3) I can personally attest to this as the father of two wonderful daughters (and four grandchildren). One of the first commands to mankind was to be fruitful and multiply. (Genesis 1:28) So the conclusion has to be in general; it is God's will for a husband and wife to have children.
But your question is specifically for your family relating to debt. God will never call us to a destination that would involve a path that takes us outside of His will. As we have discussed, God discourages debt. However, digging a little deeper, we will see that there is some debt that God has much stronger words against than other types of debt.
In general, the Bible says if we do go into debt, we must make sure it is a fully secured and we can afford to make the payments. For example, the most permissible type of debt by the Bible's standard is a mortgage that is fully secured by the value of the house. Some types of debt, which are called debts of surety, (ex. cosigned debts and credit card debts) God speaks very strongly against.
Based on this, I think the answer to your question would be that it depends on what type of debt additional children would bring upon your family. If additional children would require a bigger house and a bigger mortgage, and if you could afford it, I would personally think this may be God's will for you and your husband.
However, if additional children would cause you to run your unpaid credit card balances up, or cause you to borrow money to buy groceries, I would seriously question if additional children would be in God's will for your life.
I am sure you know that this is a very personal question that can only be answered by God, you and your husband. Together, earnestly take this question to the Lord and wait upon His answer. He will reveal it to you.
Thanks for the GREAT question.
George
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