PART I OF 2 : CHRISTIANS IN DEBT
SCCN is beginning a series looking at the financial health--or dis-ease
of the American Christian.
In part one, Reverend Doctor Timothy Winters points us to biblical
teachings that can help us claim victory over debt.
(SCCNtv.com) "There is desirable treasure, And oil in the dwelling
of the wise, But a foolish man squanders it."
As we cruise into the holiday season, most Americans have a
sinking sense of dread. They know that those credit card balances
are about to be devestated even further, all in the name of
celebrating Jesus' birth.
However, there is a better way. And the above verse from
Proverbs 21:20 is just one example of the bible directing us to save
our money. God does not appreciate when we spend ALL that we
have. But so many of us spend even beyond that.
Statistics show almost 80% of Americans are in debt, some 60% beyond their ability to pay. There is no reason to think that those numbers aren't reflective of the Christian community as well.
"That's the world-system. Romans says 'be not conformed to this world but be transformed.' Christian money management goes back to a biblical principal that guarantees not of prosperity like we commonly hear, but of God's promise of blessings."
These are the words of the Reverend Doctor Timothy Winters, author of a new book on Christians and finance, and senior pastor at Bayview Baptist Church in San Diego County. Dr. Winters chose to write on the subject for his third published book because of it became a passion; the Lord put it on his heart. The books' sales are pointing toward the fact that Christians want financial direction: it's the best-selling of all his books, and is now going into its third printing.
"I knew the need was there. We Americans--we spend all our money!" says Dr. Winters. "Compared to Japan for instance, we don't save anything. Most American families don't have $500 in cash that they could get their hands on in 24 hours if they needed to!"
It sounds almost ridiculous to say out loud "I've spent ALL my money. There is literally none. Now take that up a notch. You've spent money you don't have, never DID have, and now never WILL have.
It bears repeating that the average credit card balance for Americans is more than $9,000. If you make a minimum payment of $150 per month at an interest rate of 18%, it will take over 12 years to pay off. You will pay more in interest than the original balance at $12,940 (this is assuming you don't keep using the credit card for other purchases).
"Living debt free is unheard of for Americans," says Dr. Winters. "The way we practice finance--it's
crazy ! I mean, revolving credit, all of it."
Debt can easily be seen as the devil's tool. What a merry Christmas Satan must have when he watches God's children spiral out-of-control. It's a mad pattern of spending, anxiety, "busy-ness," and the eventual dread that come along with debt. What a perfect way for the Enemy to steal our peace-of-mind, and pull our focus away from Christ. What a wonderful springboard into fear, depression, and anger---classic evidence that the devil's hand is at play.
But this is yet another instance when the bible calls us to claim victory. Dr. Winters' favorite verse regarding money comes from The Book of Luke. "'He that is faithful in that which is least, is faithful also in much; and he that is unjust in the least is also unjust in much; if therefore you have not been faithful in unrighteous money, who will commit to your trust the true riches if you have not been faithful?'" That's the key," says Dr. Winters.
Does this mean we must prove to God that we can handle riches? Perhaps. But maybe more important is to prove to ourselves that we can behave in the devil's playground--otherwise known as the shopping mall.
"You have to be debt free," says Dr. Winters. "You have to be saving short term and investing. That' s a biblical principal for each of us. "
In the month of December, SCCN's will also take a look at how Christians can use biblical principals to climb out of debt, and how to tithe when the going gets tough
