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Debt is an idol

Discussion in '2003 Archive' started by mark, Oct 20, 2003.

  1. mark

    mark <img src =/mark.gif>

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    The last couple of weeks, i have head a number of messages on idolitry. A model example that often gets named is sports, and I guess I always agreed with that. BUT I was considering, that a idol is a tyrant and it demands first place. An idol is not loving like our real God. Debt demands first place and is definitely a tyrant. We had a missionary recruiter in church Sunday and a guy I know who is a young Christian (though not really young in physical years) said, "I'd love to go, I would be qualified and my kids are are gone now, but I have to keep my (high-paying) job, because of the huge debt I have. What do you think?
     
  2. Gina B

    Gina B Active Member

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    I think he was acting very responsibly. It's a Christian concept to not owe others. It's also a Christian concept to not ask for what's been borrowed to be given back though. Just wish the credit card companies would realize that! ;)
    Gina
     
  3. donnA

    donnA Active Member

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    We only do debt when it is necessary, and never just becasue we want something.
    I'm not sure that debt becomes an idol, an idol being something you worship. But it does become a master that you must serve even if you hate it and do ot worship it. I think there is just a fine line of difference between the two also. Prephaps in the case of debt, especially credit card debt, the idol was the possissions they couldn't(didn't want to) do without so they bought them on credit.
    It's best to stay sway from credit when possible. And if it must be used, only when necessary(like something majir no longer works and needs replaceing, refregerator, water heater ).
     
  4. donnA

    donnA Active Member

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    Gina
    Too bad they haven't heard of the year of jubliee. Forgive all debt. [​IMG]
     
  5. Jim1999

    Jim1999 <img src =/Jim1999.jpg>

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    We learn from Shakespeare. "Neither a borrower, nor a lender be" says that it is best to not lend to other people and to not borrow from other people. When we lend something we risk losing both the thing we lend and the friendship with that other person .

    We should never borrow money from institutions beyond our ability to repay without jeopardizing our well being.

    We quote all kinds of things, such as infidelity, as the reason for marriage failure, yet debt is the leading cause in the final analysis. This should tell us something about borrowing.

    Cheers,

    Jim
     
  6. Trotter

    Trotter <img src =/6412.jpg>

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    Although I can't see anybody worshipping debt, or placing the love of it before God, I can see how debt can elevate money into that position.

    I have been in severe debt before, and God became one of the fartherest things from my mind. Overtime and paychecks became gods.

    God has blessed, and my family is not in that position anymore. Although we don't have much money, my wife is now staying at home. We are looking into restructuring our budget (we like to spend...no, we love to spend) to help live within our means. Again, God has blessed.

    In Christ,
    Trotter
     
  7. Baptist Believer

    Baptist Believer Well-Known Member
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    In my mind, debt is more like slavery than idolatry.

    If you get into severe debt, you end up working for someone else and can only afford to eat the scraps from your days labors.

    Credit is a snare that traps many people.
     
  8. HeDied4U

    HeDied4U Well-Known Member
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    Baptist Believer has {wisely} said...

    Unfortunate, but very, very true :( :(

    God Bless!!

    Adam [​IMG]
     
  9. GODzThunder

    GODzThunder New Member

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    I personally think that too many people focus on the evil "sin" of debt. This is a great misunderstanding. Debt is not a sin it is the result (and in my opinion, a punishment in many cases) of the sin of pride. (note: There are many situations where debt cannot be avoided due to emergency needs such as medical expenses or loss of job, these do not apply to what I am saying about debt). It is the self attitude that feels you should have everything that satisfies the flesh and the love of money that causes debt. Sin is a cause, punishment is an effect. I feel that Christians need to start proclaiming truth against the real problems, self gratification and pride. Everyone knows debt is evil, they hate it when they have it!

    Truth be told, you do not NEED the extra large TV, there is no need for a brand new car every five years (unless you travel as much as I do and pull over 200,000 miles in five years LOL), and you do not need three cars to every two people in your home.
     
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