We got married a few years before we moved to Africa. We bought a small townhouse from a lovely older couple. Because we spent all that we had on the townhouse, there was no money left to spend on furniture. Fortunately (or unfortunately), in this case, the couple selling us the property left us the living room furniture. And since I don’t like debt, and neither does Jamie, this was a great blessing. The living room furniture that they left was bright yellow and white. It was meant to tie in with the bright, lime-green carpet. The carpet was everywhere; it went from wall to wall throughout the house. It felt as if Kermit the Frog was greeting us every morning in our townhouse.
A year passed in this ocean of yellow and lime green. I remained firm in my conviction to avoid debt. But one morning, I woke up and couldn’t stand the yellow and green combination any longer. For a few weeks, I urged (and begged) Jamie to change out the furniture. I didn’t want or need anything expensive. I simply wanted something that would take away from the greenness.
In retrospect
Jamie gave in to my bidding. Bless him. We bought the least expensive, neutral-colored set of living room furniture we agreed on. This was bought on credit, and it bothered both of us. But the clash of colors was less. The payment was low because the furniture was cheap. But, in retrospect, I wish I would have waited longer to ask for new furniture. We ended up moving to Africa a short while later and had to get rid of it anyway.
Oh, the lessons we learn as we do life.
I don’t like debt. From a very young age, I purposed to veer away from accumulating as much debt as possible. My husband holds to living debt-free harder than I do. We’ve occasionally butted heads about it. We have had our share of financial disagreements, like we did over the furniture. But for the most part, we agree to stay the course. Yes, we’ve had to pull the financial belt tight, and that is in itself stressful. But living within our means has been good for us.
The borrower
We also don’t like to loan money. Even small amounts. The saying (from the Bible, see Prov. 22:7) “the borrower is servant to the lender” gives us reason for pause. If someone asks to borrow money, we usually decline. Money isn’t easy to come by for anyone. In some cases, God gives us the “green” light (pun intended) to help. In such instances, we’ll give them money instead of lending it. Usually, it isn’t the full amount of what they’re asking for, but it’s what we feel we can give.
Please don’t come after me for money; these are small amounts I’m talking about 😂.
I don’t like debt, and I don’t want anyone to feel indebted to me. That creates all kinds of rabbit trails that can ruin a perfectly good relationship.
Instead of loaning and getting interest on what I loan, I want to give. Interest gained on money is negligible compared to how God can bless. God blesses with hands wide open. Banks give interest with tight fists. Which would you choose?
Once we give, it’s gone
Neither Jamie nor I have trouble giving offerings at church or helping the poor. Of course, we pray about where to give (our church) and who to give to (the poor). But once we give, it’s gone, and we don’t think about it. The blessings of God will come when they come and how they come.
It’s easy to assume that God’s blessings always come in the form of money. Yes, that is one way they come. But God’s blessings won’t be bound to come as money alone. He gives us unexpected blessings, like unexpected days off or time with family. He won’t be bound to our limited understanding.
A funny thing
Jesus gave an interesting instruction on giving. It was not His only instruction, but it’s one I want to look at today. This instruction had much to do with mercy.
”But when you give a reception, invite the poor, the crippled, the lame, the blind, and you will be blessed, since they do not have the means to repay you; for you will be repaid at the resurrection of the righteous.”
Luke 14:13,14 NASB
I’ve noticed a funny thing about people and giving. Often, when we give, we like to give to those who could offer us something in return. Think about it. Church leaders sometimes cater to members who give large offerings. Politicians will give their major donors platforms in their campaigns. This is why Jesus told us not to put such conditions on our giving. Instead, He told us to give to those who can’t repay. That’s truly giving; it’s mercy-led, not what can you do for me-led.
We can stumble
During January, we usually set time aside for prayer and fasting. Even during these times when we are supposed to be giving ourselves fully to the Lord, we can stumble. Our need for affirmation can influence us if we aren’t careful. It can turn what is supposed to be a personal offering to the Lord into a public spectacle.
“Now whenever you fast, do not make a gloomy face as the hypocrites do, for they distort their faces so that they will be noticed by people when they are fasting. Truly I say to you, they have their reward in full. But as for you, when you fast, anoint your head and wash your face, so that your fasting will not be noticed by people but by your Father who is in secret; and your Father who sees what is done in secret will reward you.”
Matthew 6:16-18 NASB
When we give ourselves and our time to God in fasting, we’re instructed to go above and beyond. Not only above and beyond in fasting without drawing attention to ourselves. But also above and beyond in being merciful to others.
“Is this not the fast that I choose:
To release the bonds of wickedness,
To undo the ropes of the yoke,
And to let the oppressed go free,
And break every yoke?
Is it not to break your bread with the hungry
And bring the homeless poor into the house;
When you see the naked, to cover him;
And not to hide yourself from your own flesh?
Then your light will break out like the dawn,
And your recovery will spring up quickly;
And your righteousness will go before you;
The glory of the Lord will be your rear guard.
Then you will call, and the Lord will answer;
You will cry for help, and He will say, ‘Here I am.’
If you remove the yoke from your midst,
The pointing of the finger and speaking wickedness,
And if you offer yourself to the hungry
And satisfy the need of the afflicted,
Then your light will rise in darkness,
And your gloom will become like midday.
And the Lord will continually guide you,
And satisfy your desire in scorched places,
And give strength to your bones;
And you will be like a watered garden,
And like a spring of water whose waters do not fail.
Those from among you will rebuild the ancient ruins;
You will raise up the age-old foundations;
And you will be called the repairer of the breach,
The restorer of the streets in which to dwell.”
Isaiah 58:6-12 NASB
I don’t like debt. The only debt (see Rom. 13:8) I hope to have in this life is the one to love God and others. This debt requires me to show mercy instead of receiving recognition for what I do. This isn’t an easy instruction because we all like to be recognized in one way or another. But this is the way God has chosen, and His way helps us keep things in perspective.
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