Paying debt with debt doesn’t work. It simply compounds. I should know.
Taking out a loan to pay off a credit card or another loan not only keeps the debt, but increases the time that you’re going to be in debt, and generally you end up with a bit more debt than you started with!
Instead of working through and out of the debt, even though the road looks hard and may require personal sacrifice (dare I still say that these days).
I understand all too well the feeling of impending doom with due dates and the pressure of ‘if this account is not paid within 7 days…’ pick your own threat to add to the end of that one.
I know how good it feels to have the old debt paid and the new one seems so fresh and manageable… until the new debt becomes the same burden as the last and the cycle repeats.
Why is this? Because the debt’s changed but we haven’t…
The cycle of ‘Sin Debt’ is the same. There is no relief from the pain of the consequences of sin by involving ourselves in ‘pleasurable sin’, (that which we know is wrong for us personally and in direct disobedience to God’s Word).
1 Corinthians 6:12 (NIV)
12 “I have the right to do anything,” you say—but not everything is beneficial”
The relief is temporary and the result is greater guilt, deeper debt and passing peace.
Forgiveness in Jesus Christ may still mean that we will have to work through the consequences of our sin and endure the pain attached to this (reaping & sowing), but the resulting liberty and freedom will be far greater and forever lasting as we hold on to the marvellous grace found in the Blood of Jesus Christ.
We must begin to sow new seed… Good seed. This is within our control.
Whether self-inflicted burdens or the result of circumstances beyond our control, taking the road less travelled with perseverance and endurance will bring the lasting peace and true joy and freedom in your heart and mind that you are looking for.
I haven’t read this in a book… I have lived it.
Even if the road to freedom (monetary debt or sin debt) looks long and hard… 1, 2, 5, 10 or maybe 20 years away… Start down the path, be thankful that you are not alone on the path (humanly or with your Father in heaven), be patient on the path and you will find the true peace you so desperately seek.
Psalm 40:17
“But I am poor and needy; Yet the LORD thinks upon me. You are my help and my deliverer; Do not delay, O my God.”
It’s going to take a change of mind… Repentance. Change your thinking, change your life.
Romans 12:2 (NLT)
2 “Don’t copy the behavior and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think. Then you will learn to know God’s will for you, which is good and pleasing and perfect.”
My debt grew in ten years from $1200AU to nearly $40,000AU. I had to change my thinking… and God made a way. Within 2 years my debt was down to under $5,000 and counting.
God’s road is the best road to be on, it’s just not always the smoothest ride.
Matthew 7:13-15 (NKJV)
13 “Enter by the narrow gate; for wide is the gate and broad is the way that leads to destruction, and there are many who go in by it. 14 Because narrow is the gate and difficult is the way which leads to life, and there are few who find it. 15 “Beware of false prophets, who come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they are ravenous wolves.”
The false prophets we need to be aware of on this narrow path we speak of, are the ones that say, ‘Buy now, pay later.’ Oh you’ll pay later alright! Big time!
Don’t give in to the voice that says, ‘If it’s not this one, you’ll always be alone.’ Nor the subtle whisper, ‘You’ll never be good enough to get into heaven.’ For 1, we are never alone, “For He Himself has said, “I will never leave you nor forsake you.” Hebrews 13:5.
And secondly, we will never be good enough to get into heaven on our own goodness. That’s why we need the Blood of Jesus. Psalm 46:1 “God is our refuge and strength, A very present help in trouble.”
Remember, God’s Word convicts, Satan condemns.
When God speaks to you, there is always hope attached to His Words. Satan wants to drag you down and then kick you.
Don’t give in to the temptation of sin before you. It may seem the easier road to get what you want, and maybe it’ll ease the pain of life temporarily, but if you truly want deep satisfaction and peace of mind like only God can give, take a step back, have a good look at where that road will lead, change your mind, and move on in Christ.
Trust the voice of the Holy Spirit when He says to you, ‘It may be hard, but you will make it. I Am here.’
So, my friends, please don’t let my pain, tears and struggles be in vain, learn from my mistakes with money and sin, and trust God’s Word with your whole heart. Worship Him with all your mind, soul and strength.
Give Him your life… He’s the one that gave it to you.
God bless,
Graham