Debt as Obligation

Every debt you sign leaves you, the individual ‘in debt’. Who wants to be 'in debt'? And what does it mean to be 'in debt'? Being 'in debt' tends to have a negative implication. But getting debt presents itself as the sophisticated means of getting wealth. A debt is never assumed without an obligation. A debt, therefore, always costs some level of freedom. The amount of debt attained dictates the amount of freedom sacrificed. A bad series of debt decisions often leaves the individual powerless to the masses of creditors. Their future is now controlled by a series of seemingly insignificant decisions about debt. This has resulted in an entire shifting of power - away from the individual and to the creditor. Power away from your free will to enslavement to the will of the creditor.

Those in debt will often say,

• "I cannot look for another job, I'm in debt."
  
• "I wish I could help with that ministry or mission, but I'm in debt."
  
• "I would love to do some other things with my life, but I'm in debt."

That debt we thought would be a ticket to something greater has now become the leash that limits our freedom.

Along these lines the teacher of Proverbs observes: "The rich rule over the poor, and the borrower is servant to the lender" (Proverbs 22:7 NIV).

Also Deuteronomy 15:6 records the following teaching "For the LORD your God will bless you as he has promised, and you will lend to many nations but will borrow from none. You will rule over many nations but none will rule over you." Here we see Israel’s claim as a free nation includes the avoidance of debt. Debt is a type of servanthood or slavery. Israel knows intimately the burden of slavery. Israel's God does not want His people ruled over. When we are ruled over we are put on a leash and forced to do something that someone else wants. God wants us in a position where we only need to do what he wants. Thus the one who lends, rules and the one who borrows is ruled over.

Are you completely free to serve God when he calls? Can you go where he sends you? Can you be his body in helping those in need? This is where God wants us to be and it is my intention to continue to provide resources necessary to help us come to a place in life where our only obligation is to God and his kingdom.