Avoiding Debt is a Mindset (and a Blessing from God)

Photo credit here.

I was going to post something else before this, but that will be coming soon because it's still in the works. This was going to be the last post on general principles and serve as an introduction to the posts on specific strategies to avoid borrowing money. I make my plans; God directs my feet.

Many of the ideas for living free of debt will rely on the following over and over again:

1. Commitment to following God's word, whatever the cost.

   "But be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves." (James 1:22)

   "And whatever you do, do it heartily, as to the Lord and not to men, knowing that from the Lord you will receive the reward of the inheritance; for you serve the Lord Christ." (Colossians 3:23-24)

2. Contentment.

   "Now godliness with contentment is great gain." (1 Timothy 6:6)

   
   
3. Candid humility.

   "A man’s pride will bring him low,But the humble in spirit will retain honor." (Proverbs 29:23)

   “And whoever exalts himself will be humbled, and he who humbles himself will be exalted." (Matthew 23:12)

   
   
4. Control of self and confidence. It can take a long time and be excruciatingly hard to wait to be able to do the things you'd really like to do without going into debt. You've got to have perseverence to be in it for the long haul, and you can only do this if you have faith that doing what's right will work out by God's grace.

   "Whoever has no rule over his own spiritIs like a city broken down, without walls." (Proverbs 25:28)

   "But without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him." (Hebrews 11:6)

   "No temptation has overtaken you except such as is common to man; but God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation will also make the way of escape, that you may be able to bear it." (1 Corinthians 10:13)

5. Creativity, willingness to challenge assumptions, and the ability to think outside the box.

   "Through wisdom a house is built,And by understanding it is established;" (Proverbs 24:3)

   "If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all liberally and without reproach, and it will be given to him." (James 1:5)

   
   
6. Careful planning.

   "The plans of the diligent lead surely to plenty,But those of everyone who is hasty, surely to poverty." (Proverbs 21:5)

   "For which of you, intending to build a tower, does not sit down first and count the cost, whether he has enough to finish it— lest, after he has laid the foundation, and is not able to finish, all who see it begin to mock him, saying, ‘This man began to build and was not able to finish’? Or what king, going to make war against another king, does not sit down first and consider whether he is able with ten thousand to meet him who comes against him with twenty thousand? Or else, while the other is still a great way off, he sends a delegation and asks conditions of peace." (Luke 14:28-32)

   
   
7. Community, kindness, and generosity: Individuals can become debt free, but if Christians would work together, new possibilities are opened up.

   "Though one may be overpowered by another, two can withstand him.And a threefold cord is not quickly broken." (Ecclesiastes 4:12)

   "But do not forget to do good and to share, for with such sacrifices God is well pleased." (Hebrews 13:16)

Over time, following these principles will bring great reward.