I was blessed by the word of God with week 3 of Victory’s current series Unlimited. The preaching last Sunday was about being indebted, something I am guilty of.

When we look around, there are  just so many material things that catch our eyes and capture our hearts wanting to be purchased. We don’t even have to be in malls or shopping centers to be distracted. We might get attracted to the possessions of the people we regularly interact with like our officemates, friends or relatives. The attraction for an object grows and becomes a desire. And when we desire something so bad, oftentimes we resort to desperate measures that we cannot own up to, or worse, can pull us further into deep trouble.

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One of the easiest ways for us to acquire the material things that we want is to be indebted. It could be borrowing from another person or through purchases with the use of credit cards.

The rich rule over the poor, and the borrower is slave to the lender.

Proverbs 22:7

Ever since I started working, I’ve already had access to credit cards. I say having credit cards is a big responsibility. Without the proper knowledge of its repercussions and the practice of discernment and restrain, you could really be a salve to the credit card company. It could also cause sleepless nights, thinking how you’d be able to pay for the huge amount your indebted to that grew exponentially due to unwise decisions. I hard to learn it the hard way.

The use of credit cards is not necessarily evil. These plastics are actually tools to help us manage our finances. But with this convenience also comes a big responsibility. Be sure to purchase only what you can afford.

Not a natural issue

We often dismiss having lack of financial resources as a natural concern. We think that it is an inevitable state of living everybody goes through. Although it can be partly true, we should closely examine our lifestyle and see if it contributes to the problem or the solution. Actually, as Pastor James Ardan said, it is a spiritual issue or an issue of the heart. It is a heart issue because our capacity to discern which items to purchase is challenged.

The debt we should owe

If there is one type of debt we should have, it is the debt to love one another tirelessly as it is stated in scripture:

Let no debt remain outstanding, except the continuing debt to love one another, for whoever loves others has fulfilled the law.

Romans 13:8

Action plan

In times of financial struggles, we must work on what we currently have. Our actions should be geared towards cutting on costs and paying out all debts. If we have to adjust our lifestyle and sacrifice some of the conveniences we previously enjoy, then so be it.

Next is to lift up all our worries to God and seek humbly for His guidance. God works personally and does not have an automated generic response when we present our petitions to Him. And when He speaks to us, we must listen intently and obey what he tells us. If we act on our faith according to the ways of God, then we would receive His provision. The Lord’s way is beyond what we can comprehend. We can never limit God’s power to provide.

Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.

Philippians 4:6