Continuing his new “Free At Last” series, Dr. Evans presents a much needed and desired freedom, “Freedom from Debt.” Debt has become a way of life and a new form of slavery. Illegitimate debt is a result of our ignorance of God’s plan to handle and be responsible with money, our rebellion (a refusal to follow God’s plan), or our greed. We have embraced materialism (a “must have it” attitude) or indiscriminate spending with no fiscal responsible plan in sight. As a result, illegitimate debt can ensue due to the inability to pay bills on time and/or due to assets being less than liabilities. What we have is worth less than what we owe. God says that borrowers are slaves to lenders (Proverbs 22:7). To borrow money and not be able to repay it is a spiritual issue of wickedness (Psalm 37:21). In fact, a refusal to handle money God’s way can result in elimination of any request we have for greater things (Luke 16:10-11). Therefore, debt is about more than money; it is about our spiritual connection with God. God’s plan for us is to be completely free from debt as we enjoy His greater good for our lives. What does His plan involve?
Freedom from debt involves giving to God. The average Christian gives back 2.5% of what God gives him. This is astounding when we consider the number of Christians in the church today. The reality is that many of us dishonor God in our giving; consequently, God is not interested in blessing us. The tithe, also called the “first fruits” (Pro.3:9-10), is the first tenth of what belongs to God; it is not ours but the Lord’s. However, we dishonor God by robbing Him of what is His, creating a closed heaven (losing the blessings of God) and allowing the locust to eat our crops (a lack of increase). We fail to realize that He controls the locust (Malachi 3:9-11). Frequently, we do not need more money; we just need to keep the money we earn. It appears that we are putting our money in pockets full of holes (Haggai 1). Trusting God demonstrates our love for Him. Respecting His sovereignty allows Him to take ownership of our lives. Appropriately, He is responsible for our lives, including our debt. Not surprisingly, however, when we decide not to trust Him, we assume ownership of our lives, including responsibility for our debts. Giving must be first because God is first. When we tithe, we give God ownership of our lives in this area as demonstrated in our actions and our faith.
Freedom from debt involves saving money. Saving is the opposite of debt yet 35% of Americans have no savings. Saving is putting something away for tomorrow while debt is paying for yesterday. Far too many of us are living in the past because we are paying on past debts. Societal organizations contribute to indebtedness by doing such things as making debt easily accessible by sending credit cards that were not requested and raising credit limits without asking. God’s plan is to save before spending, and only a foolish man spends all he has (Proverbs 21:20). Spending with no regard for saving is the activity of a fool. God says that we should save; in fact, we are to be multi-generational driven in our saving plan (Proverbs 13:22). As an example, Joseph set aside for the good years so that when the bad years came, the people had enough food to eat (Genesis 41:46-57). As Christians, we are to save, even if it is just five dollars a pay period. We must begin at some point. Our financial life depends on it!
Freedom from debt involves spending money. After honoring God, it is time to spend. The correct way to spend is to offer God a plan to bless (Proverbs 16:3; 21:5) by creating a budget. A budget is a spending plan. God approves of a budget because we have honored Him and He is Owner. Too many families operate without a family budget. There should be a monthly meeting in which the head of the household is reviewing and praying over the budget. Understandably, if there is no plan, there is no need for God’s assistance. God wants order and the realization that we are not just asking for blessings without a specific vision for our spending. God does not want to bless us apart from our involvement; therefore, we need a plan for monitoring our resources (Proverbs 27:23-24). The budget consists of three things—needs, wants, and desires. First on the budget are needs, which God promises to meet. These are food, clothing, and shelter (Philippians 4:19; 1Timothy 6:8). If we complain more than give thanks over needs, we are expressing a heart of discontentment. Next, on the budget (when there are sufficient funds) are wants. A want is a higher level of need. We have a car, but we may want an Escalade; we have a house, but we may want a larger, more expensive one. We must not confuse needs with wants then go into debt trying to purchase wants at the wrong time just to try to keep up with the “Jones’s.” Finally, there are desires. God says that He will give us the desires of our hearts, if we commit our ways and trust Him (Psalms 37:3-5). Desires are things outside of needs and wants that are purchased with surplus funds. Things can become out of order because we cannot pay for needs because we are in debt to desires; therefore, we transfer credit balances and get “pay-day” loans that keep us in a never-ending carousel of debt. It is crucial that we follow our budget in an orderly manner.
The point is simple. God is honored by giving to Him first as we save and spend according to our needs, wants, and desires. God intervenes supernaturally to free us from our debt. The key scripture text today tells of the widow woman who came to the prophet because the creditors were knocking at the door to enslave her children for unpaid debt. The prophet asked her what she had in the house and she replied, “A jar of oil.” He told her to borrow a vessel from her neighbors, pour the oil in the vessel, and sell the oil. She obeyed the man of God; as a result, she received supernatural debt cancellation and had enough for her family to retire. God gave the woman a marvelous idea; He can do the same for you. God is sovereign and can do whatever He desires to release you from debt slavery. Trust in God, let Him own your debt, and watch Him move!
