Each debt we owe is like a tiny string that ties us to earth much like Lemuel Gulliver on the beach. Though the debts keep us bound, Jesus is calling us to be debt-free.
The curse of debt
Debt comes in many forms. Financially, the world today thrives on debt. Pushing people to ever extravagant purchases beyond their ability to pay. Each day we rack up unpayable financial debts to feed ‘self’. Emotionally, we gather debts like a mother hen gathers her chicks. Each ‘self’ filled word or action that hurts another creates emotional debt. Spiritually we hold debt too. The actions of ‘self’ bringing us earthly and eternal consequences we have no means to pay.
The curse of debt binds us so much that we cannot escape, yet Jesus calls us to be debt free.
The debt mountain
How can we be free from the debts that plague us? Yes, we can accept the sacrifice of Jesus for the eternal consequences of our ‘self’ filled actions, but what about those financial and emotional debts that seem to grow and demand interest over time? What is the secret of being debt free?
In 2003, Wanda and I owned a business, a home and a mountain load of debt, both financially and emotionally. When God called us to be debt free, we were not sure how to achieve this. Only the tip of the iceberg was visible. How far God would lead us to bring us to freedom was beyond our understanding. For the moment, our debt mountain was too big for us to climb alone.
Instead of focusing on the mountain, God wanted us focusing on the moment.
Becoming debt free
Jesus began with a word from a prophet telling us to get out of financial debt. Our first steps were small, simple, and practical. First, we took our financial debts, focused on the smallest one and paid as much as possible against the principal. At the same time, we maintained the minimum payments on the larger ones and did not add to our debt. As each debt was liquidated we applied our accrued funds to the next largest debt. This is called the Debt Snowball Plan. Over time we whittled our financial debts down to a manageable size.
The emotional debts were far more troublesome to address since they lacked the precision and clarity of numbers; we cannot quantify pain. Childhood trauma and addiction were obstacles we could not overcome alone. Jesus led us to counseling at Elijah House. The counselor’s help moved us a great deal forward in our journey in learning how to forgive ourselves and others. Like all debts however, our emotional wounds took time and many payments of forgiveness until they were whittled down to size.
Forgiving others takes as much courage, decisiveness and practicality as paying off financial debts.
Each of these baby steps in reducing debt began leading us to greater maturity. Each choice of sacrifice to pay off our debts brought us a step closer to freedom. The journey of uncompromising faith is about becoming debt free.
The secret for becoming debt free is sacrifice.
The sacrificial life
We will never say the journey of becoming debt free is easy. The process will take as long as debt exists. We will have to forego catering to our ‘self’ and embrace a sacrificial life. In our world to gain is the highest ideal and sacrifice is a dirty word. What a contrast from the words of our Beloved. “For what does it profit a man to gain the whole world, and forfeit his life [in the eternal kingdom of God]?” Mark 8:36.
When we learn to let go of everything ‘self’ wants, pay off the debts ‘self’ has accrued and begin investing in spirit, we will become debt free. Financially, emotionally and spiritually, if we surrender our ‘self’ to Jesus He will lead us on the path of faith to freedom. Are you ready to take the steps to become free from the bondage to your debts?
Blessings,
Homer and Wanda
Very well said. Jesus Christ our Lord and Savior paid all our debts so we can be debt free. Shalom.
Absolutely! Blessings to you this fine day!
Amen and Amen. Jesus paid the debt that He did not owe. I owed the debt I could not pay. Thank God for Jesus!
I think back on my need to forgive my husband for breaking our marriage and breaking up our family. My whole world caved in to despair for a time. I wanted to forgive. I chose that path and said the words, but at that point it was only in my head, in my intent and not complete, though I didn’t know that yet.
In the mercy of God, He showed me that, though I hadn’t committed the sins that I looked down on my husband for, I was (am) just as capable of sinning. I am no different except God’s wonderful grace in my life. Forgiveness came alive in fullness within me for him. I am not better. I am better off because I am held in God’s love and committed to loving God in return through keeping every word from His mouth. This commitment that’s only possible as He enables me because I’m forgiven.
Amen Colleen! You chose the better path! May your day be filled with His presence and goodness!
Blessings,
Homer and Wanda
Yes, I can so relate!. The secret to getting out of debt is sacrifice. Sacrificing today for a better financial position in the future. Thanks for a great post. I reminded me of my own journey on the same subject. Many blessings.
Thank you Suzette! May the God of all grace be with you today!
Blessings,
Homer and Wanda
This is true on every level! “If we surrender our ‘self’ to Jesus He will lead us on the path of faith to freedom.” Amen. Thanks for sharing this part of your journey.
You are so welcome. Blessings to you!
Blessings,
Homer and Wanda
I’ve never thought of the need to make sure I’m emotionally debt-free, too! Thank you for the reminder. Welcome to the Inspire Me Monday link-up :).
I feel the push and God’s been helping me to slowly climb out of financial debt using the Snowball Plan as well. At times I get impatient, but then God leads me to posts like this and I’m encouraged greatly.
This has also opened my eyes to the truth that fear and rejection are debts because they hold me hostage. God is using your post to put finishing touches on things He’s been working on in my heart for awhile. I’m very grateful the Spirit led me here!
Thank you for sharing!!
You are very welcome Susan. We are humbled and honored that our Father would choose to work through these words to help you. May you be richly blessed by Him as He leads you out of debt to freedom.
Blessings,
Homer and Wanda
As a budget and credit coach, I so agree with you on being debt free. It is not easy. But so worth it. The weight of debt can ruin relationships and ruin lives. Great post! 🙂
Thank you for that great confirmation. We are very happy you stopped by and blessed us with this. May His blessings overflow to you!
Homer and Wanda