A debt-free adult is either really well-off in life or just really educated in the area of financial management. But most, if not all, have some kind of financial obligation to an institution or an individual. Debts, per se, are not a sin, but the Bible did say enough to emphasize the disadvantage of being in debt. The latter part of Proverbs 22:7 states, “…and the borrower is slave to the lender.” That clearly means losing financial freedom.
STARTING LINE
As I write this post, we are currently undergoing strict debt management. My wife and I longed for financial freedom in the middle of 2019. We prayed for God’s favor in our plans to curtail our spending and set up a livable debt management routine and pay off all our outstanding debts in 5 years’ time. But then, we found out that my wife is pregnant. You gotta love God’s sense of humor. This did not stop us to push through with our initial plans. This actually motivated us to stick with the plan because we have another responsibility to feed and clothe. Then, the global pandemic transpired. Talk about challenges. Still, God never failed to amaze us in the perfect timing of His provisions. A lot of things happened during the pandemic and we acquired more debt than what we planned to settle. The journey was hard and oftentimes disheartening, but we routinely kept tithing, paying, and praying that what God left for us will be enough until the next payday. Amazingly, God blessed our efforts and we are now over 50% of our projected goal.
PARADIGM SHIFT
To be honest, our initial reason for obtaining financial freedom is materialistic in nature. We wanted to invest and create wealth. After a while, we realized that wealth will be the obvious effect of being financially free. Creating wealth is really understanding the source of wealth – GOD! Now, we are aiming at the opportunity of being a conduit of God’s blessing to other people. It’s hard having that burden to help financially but can’t do anything about it. Financial prosperity is equally proportioned to our spiritual progress. 3 John 1:2 says, “Beloved, I pray that in all respects you may prosper and be in good health, just as your soul prospers.” Matthew 6:33 also emphasized, “But seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things will be provided to you.”
TRUE PROSPERITY
We are not yet financially free. We are still struggling and we understand the sacrifice needed to attain our goals. We also know that the journey we are going through is a way for us to solely depend on God and acknowledge His ultimate sovereignty. True prosperity is not just about creating wealth, but more about developing accountability and Biblical stewardship. It’s unlikely that our names will be published along with the billionaires of this world, but we do know that our names are written in the book of life, and whatever we gain in this world will pale in comparison to the glory of Christ that awaits us in heaven.
Let no debt remain outstanding, except the continuing debt to love one another, for whoever loves others has fulfilled the law. Roman 13:8