This excerpt is from Chapter 6, Debt Management.
When Debt Becomes A Burden
How can you tell if you have become overburdened with debt? There are usually a few telltale signs:
If you are experiencing one or more of the above on a regular basis, it is likely
that you have a debt problem. Recognize it for what it is and begin the process
to change it.
Christians should have a natural aversion to debt. Excessive debt can get in the way of your relationship with God. Consider Proverbs 22:7:
When Debt Becomes A Burden
How can you tell if you have become overburdened with debt? There are usually a few telltale signs:
- Frequent late payment notices
- Calls at home and your job from bill collectors
- Putting off doctor’s appointments to save on co-payments
- Frequently returned checks due to insufficient funds
- Increasing inability to meet your family’s basic needs of food, clothing, and shelter
- Continued use of savings to pay your bills
If you are experiencing one or more of the above on a regular basis, it is likely
that you have a debt problem. Recognize it for what it is and begin the process
to change it.
Christians should have a natural aversion to debt. Excessive debt can get in the way of your relationship with God. Consider Proverbs 22:7:
The rich ruleth over the poor, and the borrower is servant to the lender.
When you are overburdened with debt, you are a
financial slave. If you don’t
believe me, try missing a few payments and see what happens! Your creditors
(masters?) will respond in a variety of ways to compel you to pay. Scripture
further tells us that you cannot serve two masters, for you will love one and hate
the other (Matthew 6:24). Constantly dealing with debt problems can cause you
to lose focus on how to live as God would have you to live.
There is tremendous pressure and stress when you are overburdened with debt. This can spill over into other areas of your life. It can affect your performance at work. It can affect your relationship with your family and friends.
Some people experience some or all of the signs of being overburdened with
debt, but don’t believe that they have a problem. The typical excuse that I hear
is “everybody runs a little behind on their bills.” In today’s world, running a little
behind on your bills has become a way of life for many people. The world would love for you to believe that this is normal. Don’t fool yourself. If late payments and bill collectors are commonplace in your life, there is a problem and you need to try and fix it. It won’t be easy, but the problem can be fixed.
(For more information on debt management strategies, be sure to read
Chapter 6.)
believe me, try missing a few payments and see what happens! Your creditors
(masters?) will respond in a variety of ways to compel you to pay. Scripture
further tells us that you cannot serve two masters, for you will love one and hate
the other (Matthew 6:24). Constantly dealing with debt problems can cause you
to lose focus on how to live as God would have you to live.
There is tremendous pressure and stress when you are overburdened with debt. This can spill over into other areas of your life. It can affect your performance at work. It can affect your relationship with your family and friends.
Some people experience some or all of the signs of being overburdened with
debt, but don’t believe that they have a problem. The typical excuse that I hear
is “everybody runs a little behind on their bills.” In today’s world, running a little
behind on your bills has become a way of life for many people. The world would love for you to believe that this is normal. Don’t fool yourself. If late payments and bill collectors are commonplace in your life, there is a problem and you need to try and fix it. It won’t be easy, but the problem can be fixed.
(For more information on debt management strategies, be sure to read
Chapter 6.)