What’s the Big Idea?
God calls believers to be wise stewards of money. Debt is a dangerous thing and can have a negative impact on our future. We need to use extreme caution in any decision that could lead us into debt.
What’s the Problem?
We can often lose perspective on possessions. Many people live under the illusion that debt is expected and unavoidable.
Living in our culture we have all been influenced by misconceptions about debt. It is crucial to understand debt and it’s consequences; debt is a serious matter, because it has a great impact on our lives and our options for the future. Most families, high schools, and colleges teach little about handling finances or debt, so our perspectives may unintentionally run counter to what the Word of God teaches about it.
The average college student today graduates with over $26,600 in student loan debt. At the 2013 interest rate of 6.8%, the total amount a student will have to pay on the loan over the next 15 years is $42,503... that’s $15,903 in interest alone! Imagine instead how that money could be used both to propel the gospel around the world and for future needs (family) etc.
When we use credit cards it’s like taking out a loan every time we swipe them. The average American family has 5 credit cards and $10,000 in credit card debt.
Using the above scenario... if I have a high interest rate on my card and pay only the minimum payment due each month, it will take me 58 years to pay off the $10,000! That will cost me thousands of dollars in interest. Even if what I originally bought was a great “deal,” it doesn’t really turn out that way in the long run.
The selected passages help to shed light in a clear and unique way on the topic of debt. The meaning of the word “proverb” is “a comparison.” A proverb is a brief statement that helps to express a longer explanation, and it usually offers a truth about life. When it comes to debt, Proverbs does just that – it gives some nuggets of truth that otherwise would take a long time to describe. The New Testament also addresses money issues in many places.
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