Blessing and responsibility
We are a blessed people in this country. Yet many struggle with a lack (or in some cases a perceived lack) of opportunity. Jesus' teachings seem to speak to both rich and poor, and how each should behave. Though he warns about riches getting in the way, he also instructs those who are blessed regarding how they should think about their possessions, as well as how they should act regarding them.
As I continue down the path of learning to trade the stock market, I think often about how to think about money, and how to regard my blessings. I believe I have been given this opportunity to accomplish some of the work of God in the world. Please pray that I handle this well.
How do you deal with your level of "blessedness"? It would be tragic indeed if anyone who even semi-regularly reads this would ever consider themselves to be anything but rich.
Here's another thought - what do you think of Paul's warning in Romans 13:8 regarding debt? I confess that until recently I have given this zero thought. I did not hesitate at all to borrow to buy a house or a car. What do you think?
As I continue down the path of learning to trade the stock market, I think often about how to think about money, and how to regard my blessings. I believe I have been given this opportunity to accomplish some of the work of God in the world. Please pray that I handle this well.
How do you deal with your level of "blessedness"? It would be tragic indeed if anyone who even semi-regularly reads this would ever consider themselves to be anything but rich.
Here's another thought - what do you think of Paul's warning in Romans 13:8 regarding debt? I confess that until recently I have given this zero thought. I did not hesitate at all to borrow to buy a house or a car. What do you think?
posted by MichaelPolutta at 10:21 AM
4 Comments:
Do you mean Romans 13:8? (Let no debt remain outstanding, except the continuing debt to love one another, for he who loves his fellowman has fulfilled the law.) I definitely see debt looked down upon in the scriptures, but this is the only verse I know of that is actually saying specifically not to keep debt. I know that most Americans would disagree with me, but I believe that debt is wrong, especially between friends and family. It just makes the relationship very awkward. Even in a business situation it seems wrong because debt allows you to pander to your selfish nature of wanting instant gratification. Patience is listed as a fruit of the spirit, so I believe that if you want a new car you should wait longer until you can save up the money instead of getting it now when you can't actually pay yet. How do you know for sure if you'll have the money to pay for it tomorrow? Anyway, I could go on and on about the whole debt thing, but YES, I believe that Romans 13:8 is saying that we should NOT keep debt.
Corrected the typo.
Yeah, I guess I'm on the other side of the fence on this one. I don't think debt, in and of itself, is wrong.
First, debt was discussed in the Old Testament in regards to lending money. (Ex. 22:25)(Deut. 23:19) It was also an issue in the year of Jubilee, in which debt was forgiven. If anything, loaning money and charging interest was met with disapproval. I'm not aware of any OT passages, that indicate debt was a sin. With the possible exception of Proverbs, there are more passages that deal with receiving money rather than loaning money. If it was OK to lend money, I'm not sure how we can assume it wasn't OK to borrow money.
Second, my take on Romans 13 is not that debt is wrong. Rather, the theme of the passage revolves around the idea that you need to give service where service is due. i.e pay taxes. give respect. etc. My translation states "let no debt remain outstanding." This is significantly different than a statement of "have no debt." It seems to imply that if we have debts, we need to honor our promise to repay the debt.
It is impossible, to not have debt. If you receive a bill, then you're indebted to someone (phone , electricity, rent). Few people prepay everything. Even if you did not receive a bill, you're still in debt to someone for something in your life. i.e. your parents, teacher. Indebtedness is a part of life. It is inherent as a Christian that we owe a debt we cannot repay. Also, if borrowing money is wrong, is borrowing any other possession wrong too?
I deal with collections every day from people who have violated their financial promise. I hear the excuses all the time. Some are valid, others are lies. However, I still believe debt can be useful tool. Ask any number of ministry leaders if they could have made it through college without a loan? Can't loans help a church develop/purchase land? Would it be wrong for me to take a personal loan to help pay for someone's medical care? I think in each case, borrowing is warranted.
Jesus borrowed. I know for a fact he borrowed a couple of fish and some bread from a boy. But obviously he repaid it in full... and then some. He also admonished us to lend (Mt. 5:42).
Yes, the Bible warns against debt , in both OT and NT. Yes, it is good to avoid debt. Yes, debt can become evil. But No, debt is not inherently evil/wrong. The evil lies in our wants/desires to build wealth like a house of cards, because of our evil desire to have stuff. Many refuse to adhere to the idea that "godliness with contentment is great gain."
I agree with Becky that Patience is a fruit of the Spirit. Clearly, those that are overly-eager are more likely to fall into the trap the debt can present. I admire Tommy and Becky for the fiscally conservative financial approach they've adopted. I think they're a great example to us all.
However, I believe the greater issue is whether we've put our debt in front of our love for God. Does debt control our life? Are we unable to fulfill a promise we made, either financially or otherwise? And are we content with what we have or are we greedy wanting more?
Very well said, Phillip- and Becky made some good points too. I like what you said in your last sentence, Bek, that we should not KEEP debt. Emphasis placed on KEEP. We have kept some debt around here in the past and it does nothing but harm.
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