Dwight Fletcher | Kingdom principles for money matters

We’ve been discussing money matters for the past few weeks, and I hope that you have begun to experience a transformation in your relationship with your finances. When we began this journey, I said that money matters to God. It’s one of the most popular devices Jesus used when speaking to His followers about the ways of the Kingdom. God cares about how you steward your wealth and how you feel about your finances. This includes debt. Many of us have the wrong approach to debt – either we don’t see the danger it is, or we are so overwhelmed by the state of our affairs that we ignore the problem as long as possible.

The Kingdom of God offers a different approach so that we can live in freedom instead of fear. God’s principles for money matters include choosing contentment (Philippians 4:11-13), reviewing our spending habits and preparing a realistic plan for our finances (Proverbs 21:5). This plan must include taking control by reversing debt. Once you figure out where all your money is coming from and where it is going, then you start to tell it where you want it to go instead.

Many of us don’t need to make more money to improve our financial situation. In fact, making more money might just lead to more debt if we don’t face the problems that debt creates in our lives.

THE DANGERS OF DEBT

1. Debt presumes on the future.

When people commit themselves to payments over a period of time, they are presuming that there will be no pay reductions, no loss of job, no high inflation and no unexpected expenses. That is an improbable assumption. Proverbs 27:1 NLT, “ Never brag about what you will do in the future; you have no idea what tomorrow will bring.”

2. Debt lowers future standards of living.

Every Christmas I hear advertisements that offer quick loans to “have the Christmas you deserve.” What I never hear in those ads is a reminder that this loan must be repaid, plus interest, in the months to come. This means that your standard of living after Christmas will be severely compromised because you cannot afford what you bought.

3. Debt could delay God’s plan.

God promises to provide for His people’s needs. However, when we choose quick loans and run up credit card bills, we try to meet our needs outside of God’s provision. When instant gratification leads to debt at the expense of financial freedom, we delay God’s perfect plan and His perfect timing.

You may be aware of these dangers, but because of emergencies or poor past habits, you’re in debt now and the temptation is to avoid, rather than address the issue. Don’t fall for that trap. God didn’t design things for you to be in debt, but He is a Good Father.

He wants you free from debt and He will help you; however, it will require patience. The reality is that you didn’t get into your financial mess overnight and you won’t get out of it overnight either. But you can be confident that God will be with you in it and give you success. Proverbs 16:3-4 (NIV) promises, “ Commit to the LORD whatever you do, and he will establish your plans. The LORD works out everything to its proper end…”

Now is the time to meet with a financial advisor or look up articles on the Internet. Create a plan that works for you and share it with a wise mentor or trusted friend who can give you advice and hold you accountable. It may not be easy, but with resilience, you can leave debt behind. Discipline yourself, trust God and stay consistent. Then join me next week as we close off this series with the powerful key to financial freedom.