It is a simple fact that every single person (or family) lives off of a specific percentage of his or her (or their) total income. Some are able to live comfortably off 60-80% of their income, while many spend every dime--100%--just in time to get their next paycheck. Unfortunately, many Americans have begun living off more than 100% of their income. The ease of obtaining credit and the pressure to "have it now" have suckered us into buying what we want, even if we can't afford it...we can just swipe it and pay for it later (and for even more money because of outrageous interest).
Debt should be on the mind of Christians for many reasons. Notice just one as we think about living off of a certain percentage:
As Christians, we are expected to give regularly (1 Cor. 16:2) and proportionally (2 Cor. 8:3). Additionally, we should be willing to serve the Lord with our financial blessings (e.g., helping the needy, giving to reputable charities, etc.) (Mt. 25:31-46).
We must ask ourselves a tough question when we consider these financial responsibilities in light of debt (especially irresponsible debt like unpaid-off credit cards, payday loans, etc.): "Am I able to give sacrificially to the Lord if I'm living off more than 100% of my income?"
I don't think it's possible. Notice a little hypothetical math: If I make 10,000 dollars annually, and give $1,000 of it to the church (roughly $20 weekly), I technically give 10% of my income. If, over the course of the year, I put $1,000 on a high-interest credit card without paying it all off, I've just raised the ceiling of my living expenses without raising the level of income. Therefore, I've not really made any sacrifices in order to give that $20 a week to the local church. Theoretically, I could give $5,000 a year--and it would seem as though I was giving an amazing 50%--and turn to a credit card instead of adjusting my spending habits. I get almost anything I want and still give to the church. But that's not the point.
God knows we could use the percentage we give for additional things at our disposal, yet he wants us to trust him (and our elders) to use it in much better ways than we would personally. What if we read that the widow gave all she had--those two mites--but then went and borrowed two more from a Pharisee so that she could buy some more clothes or living amenities? It wouldn't be giving all she had if she kept going back for more beyond her affluence.
May we always consider our financial decisions in light of our relationship to the Lord.
"Be not one of those who give pledges, who put up security for debts." Proverbs 22:26
Showing posts with label covetousness. Show all posts
Showing posts with label covetousness. Show all posts
Monday, October 15, 2007
Thursday, August 23, 2007
"Giving Our Way to Prosperity" (Lesson Eight)
While hinted at in nearly every chapter, lesson 8 focuses the student's attention on the sin of covetousness. The purpose of lesson 8 is "to impress upon the mind that covetousness is one of the most deceptive sins known to man" (45). That word "deceptive" plays a key role in this lesson. The lesson is entitled "A Spiritual Cancer." When one studies this lesson, he/she can see why "cancer" is used.
The lesson opens with some examples of covetousness in the Bible (Achan, Gehazi, etc.) and what other sins that one sin led to. As brother Black points out, "Few sins are so distinctly and solemnly denounced in the scriptures as covetousness" (45). He then goes on to list several verses from both the Old and New Testaments that teach against this dangerous sin.
On page 46, brother Black takes a few moments to remind us that money is not wrong, but the "love of money" leads to all sorts of sins (First Timothy 6:10). Because we love money, its power eats away at us, causing us to do things we would never have envisioned ourselves doing.
After sections building on the main points of the introduction, brother Black has an interesting section that should cause every student to think (pages 48-49). He speaks of covetousness as the only sin that he had never heard anyone confess. While it may be one of the most committed sins, no one seems to want to admit his/her error in this regard.
In the brief final section (page 49), brother Black reminds us that covetousness is listed with other "terrible" sins, such as adultery and extortion. That alone should cause us all to think seriously about how important God thinks this subject is.
The lesson opens with some examples of covetousness in the Bible (Achan, Gehazi, etc.) and what other sins that one sin led to. As brother Black points out, "Few sins are so distinctly and solemnly denounced in the scriptures as covetousness" (45). He then goes on to list several verses from both the Old and New Testaments that teach against this dangerous sin.
On page 46, brother Black takes a few moments to remind us that money is not wrong, but the "love of money" leads to all sorts of sins (First Timothy 6:10). Because we love money, its power eats away at us, causing us to do things we would never have envisioned ourselves doing.
After sections building on the main points of the introduction, brother Black has an interesting section that should cause every student to think (pages 48-49). He speaks of covetousness as the only sin that he had never heard anyone confess. While it may be one of the most committed sins, no one seems to want to admit his/her error in this regard.
In the brief final section (page 49), brother Black reminds us that covetousness is listed with other "terrible" sins, such as adultery and extortion. That alone should cause us all to think seriously about how important God thinks this subject is.
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