Get out of debt and stay out of debt!

It’s not by accident that these two Scriptures are back-to-back: ‘Train up a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not depart from it. The rich rules over the poor, and the borrower is servant to the lender.’ (Proverbs 22:6–7 NKJV) Your child’s education, an affordable home, and a reliable car are ok things to borrow money for. Otherwise, unless you can pay outright for something—learn to wait!

Jesus said, ‘Whoever wants to be My disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross daily and follow Me.’ (Luke 9:23 NIV) We’re not very good at denying ourselves the things we want. But unless you want your kids to inherit your debt, end up getting into debt themselves, and pass the principle of instant gratification on to their children, break the cycle now. Get out of debt and stay out of debt!

Pray: ‘Lord, I’m through making excuses. I repent and take responsibility for the mess I’m in. I gave in to my impulses, overspent, and ignored Your principles of good stewardship. Give me the courage to face my debts and take an honest look at where I stand. Don’t let me live in denial. You warned us not to be ignorant of Satan’s tactics (see 2 Corinthians 2:11). He is attempting to keep me in financial bondage, and, as a result, I am unable to respond when it’s time to sow and finance Your work. Direct me to a trustworthy source that can help me develop a debt-eliminating strategy. Help me to stop having to make additional interest charges. Deliver me from emotional spending. Please, help me to get out of debt. In Jesus’ name, I pray. Amen.’