Debt, a curse in our lives

We're taking a step back today.  My last posting discussed up to Proverbs 7, but we are going back to Proverbs 6, as there is a topic here that did not fit with the last post.

Fifty years ago, debt was something that only foolish people established.
In 1981, the United States first hit the $1 trillion mark in the national debt.  Only thirty years later, we are well over $11 trillion.

In 1940, personal debt was nearly non-existent. Today, Americans are almost $25 trillion in debt.

The Bible offers a different view of debt. whether it is holding a debt against another person, or carrying debt ourselves, we need to eliminate all debts to "free yourself" (Proverbs 6:5, NIV).

God calls us to be debt free.   This is difficult to hear in our current economy and frame of mind, but we need to separate ourselves from others finances that can keep our minds and hearts away from God.  With debt tying up our lives, it leaves less room to consider God in the equation and minimizes the money we have to give.  If we eliminate this burden, we now have more money to serve our family and spouse, money to give to the church and to those in need, money to better the kingdom of God.

He tells us to ask our debtors for forgiveness of our debts and begin the process of renewal in finances: "Go and humble yourself; press your plea with your neighbor!  Allow no sleep to your eyes, no slumber to your eyelids." (Proverbs 6:3-4, NIV)

To this end, we must help others with our money without indebtedness as well. This gives double blessings.  Not only are you able to bless another with your money, without condition of repayment, but you are also fulfilling the wishes of God which will increase blessings to you from Him.

At the same time, we need to work hard for our money to establish ourselves as workers for Christ.  Proverbs 6:9-11 says "How long will you lie there, you sluggard?  When will you get up from your sleep?  A little sleep, a little slumber, a little folding of the hands to rest - and poverty will come on you like a bandit and scarcity like an armed man."  God will strike you down with poverty without a good work ethic.  Work hard, live wisely, manage your money, and you will receive blessing and be more free to give yourself more to God.