Indebtedness

I was just thinking about - - -

The word “enslavement” conjures up all kinds of historical recollections. A basic and simple meaning of the word is, “to make a slave of; reduce to slavery”. There are many areas where this can be applied. In many places, people have been and are treated as slaves. Even the Bible speaks about the Culture of Slavery. The Book of Philemon is Paul’s letter in behalf of a runaway slave, Onesimus, and some reasons why his owner should consider forgiving him. In Ephesians 6:5-6, Paul addresses the slaves who have become believers: “Slaves, obey your earthly masters with deep respect and fear. Serve them sincerely as you would serve Christ. Work hard, but not just to please your masters when they are watching. As slaves of Christ, do the will of God with all your heart.”

Enslavement also covers areas of addiction to things such as: Alcoholism, Pornography, Drugs, Pedophilia, Abusive Behavior, etc. While many of these things can receive treatment and counsel, the danger lurks for the rest of one’s life in terms of these things that contributed to their “enslavement” and addiction.

A more subtle enslavement is in the area of debt. The Federal Reserve, the US Treasury, and the Bureau of Economic Analysis has shared the stark and shocking declaration: “America has become more debt-dependent than ever before with total debt of $48 trillion, or $161,287 per man, woman and child”. Much of the pertinent data is contained in a paper that one can research at: http://mwhodges.home.att.net

The Bible has a very practical word of advice and instruction in terms of money matters. In I Timothy 6:6-10, we read: “Now there is great gain in godliness with contentment, for we brought nothing into the world, and we cannot take anything out of the world. But if we have food and clothing, with these we will be content. But those who desire to be rich fall into temptation, into a snare, into many senseless and harmful desires that plunge people into ruin and destruction. For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evils…”

Some time ago, a Financial Consultant named Larry Burkett enjoined: "Don't be a slave to debt!" One would be wise to benefit from the financial wisdom shared by his successors at: http://www.crown.org Another source and resource is Dave Ramsey: http://www.daveramsey.com His emphasis and strategy is simply – Get Out Of Debt. He recommends cutting up one’s credit cards and start paying on a Cash Only basis. Both of these organizations teach and recommend that one avoid large mortgage indebtedness.

A simple Budget (and Basic Priority) should include the following:

1. Tithe at least a tenth of one’ gross salary to a worthy Christian ministry
2. Save at least a tenth of one’s gross salary in a non-risk savings instrument
3. The remaining amount divide proportionately between (a) rent or mortgage, (b) nourishing foods, (c) Health Care and Medical Coverage, (d) family clothing needs and (e) modest entertainment or special treat for the family unit.

It would be wise to save toward the things deemed beneficial, and be able to pay cash for them rather than incurring debt.

Many years ago in England (1601), Debtors’ Prisons were a harsh reality for those who could not (or did not) pay their taxes, rent, debts, etc. An interesting read about these times is Great Expectations by Charles Dickens. It describes his own experience in a debtors prison as a child. Of those times, Samuel Johnson wrote in 1758: "The confinement... of any man in the sloth and darkness of a prison, is a loss to the nation, and no gain to the creditor. For, of the multitudes who are pining in those cells of misery, a very small part is suspected of any fraudulent act by which they retain what belongs to others. The rest are imprisoned by the wantonness of pride, the malignity of revenge, or the acrimony of disappointed expectation."

Avoid enslavement to debt! Be Content! Be Wise!

Think About It….