DOES IT MAKE ANY "CENTS"

From My Perspective - - -

By the end of this week, it is anticipated that the United States National Debt will officially reach and pass the $16 Trillion level. For those whose minds are boggled by these numbers, some have tried to simplify what this means in dollars and cents. It would be comparable to an average family with an Annual Income of $22,000.00 and spending $37,000.00 per year, every year,  with no spending restraints, no budget, and no prepayment plan in place. It would be a classic case for bankruptcy and ruin. It would also give credence to the saying: “If your outgo exceeds your income, your upkeep will be your downfall.” It seems as though we have arrived at the precipice and unhesitatingly stepping forward onto the slippery slope.

With a large segment of the population in our nation accustomed to receiving from the national largesse all kinds of funds and benefits, there is very little possibility of averting the looming disaster. It is similar to being warned that a Tsunami is approaching, and seeing the reality of the warning on the near horizon, and deciding to sit on a beach chair and watch it arrive. Most people would run for higher ground, but when it comes to finances and economics, many people refuse to accept the reality of a Financial Tsunami on the near horizon. People will scream and protest if anyone attempts to deal with “their” entitlements; most will also scream about any adjustment to the Tax structure; and Union Heads and Laborers will march in protest if “their” pensions and benefits are adjusted to any degree.

Part of the financial issues plaguing cities and states, as well as the nation, find some origin in ones seeking to satisfy personal “Wants” versus being focused in terms of personal “Needs.” The appeal of the culture is larger and more lavish homes; more newer vehicles with the latest features; a greater number of “toys” for pleasure; expensive and extensive travel and vacation destinations; computers and I-pads and I-phones – even for the young children in the home; etc. Cost Containment does not have a priority in ones spending habits. It’s a case of “what I want, I want, and I’ll get it regardless of the cost and pay for it whenever…”

What if someone stated that those who are governed by their “wants” are running down the road into slavery? Would anyone believe it? Dave Ramsey, a financial counselor, wrote: “Debt is dumb. Most normal people are just plain broke because they are in debt up to their eyeballs with no hope of help. If you're in debt, then you're a slave because you do not have the freedom to use your money to help change your family tree. According to a USA Today article about debt, 78% of Baby Boomers have mortgage debt, 59% have credit card debt, and 56% have car payments. It takes a lot of will, discipline, courage and help to slay the debt monster. But it can be done. Imagine how much you could put toward retirement if you just didn't have a stinking car payment? Debt is dumb. Welcome to the real world! According to Proverbs 22:7, "The rich rule over the poor, and the borrower is slave of the lender" (NRSV).

If one avoids God’s Laws, financial ruin is inevitable. Consider these words from The Word: “Deuteronomy 28:1, 12 says: “If you fully obey the Lord your God and carefully follow all his commands I give you today, the Lord your God will set you high above all the nations on earth. The Lord will open the heavens, the storehouse of his bounty, to send rain on your land in season and to bless all the work of your hands. You will lend to many nations but will borrow from none.” Borrowing is never God’s best for His people. However, if you do not follow God’s commands, borrowing will be a curse upon you: Deuteronomy 28:43-45 says: “The alien who lives among you will rise above you higher and higher, but you will sink lower and lower. He will lend to you, but you will not lend to him. He will be the head, but you will be the tail. All these curses will come upon you. They will pursue you and overtake you until you are destroyed, because you did not obey the Lord your God and observe the commands and decrees he gave you.” It doesn't make good "cents" to disobey God's Laws. Consider these things with me.