How important is paying off debts?

[NaasPreacher (C4K)]

Thats the KJV rendering. The NIV says "let no debt remain outstanding." This implies that we continue to pay on debts.

Fair enough, good point.

I think, however, in reality the issue is not debt which is being paid off, but debt which is outstanding and probably never will be paid. This, of course, allows for such things as a mortgage, as long as payments are being properly made.

 

[freeatlast]

Are you saying we should skip out on going to church and doing evangelism so we can pay debts? What if we owe $300,000 and make 30K a year and can barley afford a payment? What if we have tried to find a better paying job but have failed?

I had a conversation with a brother on this topic today. His view is that God is more concerned with character over debts. We should strive to pay off debts, but God has a different timetable than we do. This brother is just making $600 a month and has a income crisis. No way he is gonna pay off his debts anyday soon. However he is thankful to God that he even has a job.

I can only tell you that if you approach the word of God like you did my post then you have some serious theological and doctrinal issues.

 

[evangelist6589]

Fair enough, good point.

I think, however, in reality the issue is not debt which is being paid off, but debt which is outstanding and probably never will be paid. This, of course, allows for such things as a mortgage, as long as payments are being properly made.

In my situation this is the reality. I have large debts and my income does not allow me to pay the largest ones, but I am able to make payments on credit cards and smaller loans. I am waiting on the lord to provide me with a better paying job at his due time. In the meantime I am trying to build a better resume make contacts, and perhaps I may take a few night classes here and there to better my job skills.

 

[evangelist6589]

I can only tell you that if you approach the word of God like you did my post then you have some serious theological and doctrinal issues.

Why is it that you cannot answer a question? You make jabs and then when I ask you a question, you dodge it. Why is that? I am wrestling with this issue and I am afraid its not as black and white as you claim.

 

[NaasPreacher (C4K)]

In my situation this is the reality. I have large debts and my income does not allow me to pay the largest ones, but I am able to make payments on credit cards and smaller loans. I am waiting on the lord to provide me with a better paying job at his due time. In the meantime I am trying to build a better resume make contacts, and perhaps I may take a few night classes here and there to better my job skills.

Sounds to me like you are doing right and following New Testament principles far more than paying a supposed 'tithe.'

 

[freeatlast]

In my situation this is the reality. I have large debts and my income does not allow me to pay the largest ones, but I am able to make payments on credit cards and smaller loans. I am waiting on the lord to provide me with a better paying job at his due time. In the meantime I am trying to build a better resume make contacts, and perhaps I may take a few night classes here and there to better my job skills.

Do what the government should have done a long time ago. Change your spending habits and pay your debts. I made this offer before and it still stands. If you are serious I can cut your spending by at least 25%, probably more, and you will be able to pay your off your debts over time while looking for better employment as setting on your scruples while waiting for better employment is not the answer. You will have to be serious as it will mean a serious life change.
Let me give you just one example. I can show you how to cut you food bill to around 50 dollars a month. Actually less but I don't want to stress you too much. That is just one thing and you could put the savings towards your debts.

 

[freeatlast]

Why is it that you cannot answer a question? You make jabs and then when I ask you a question, you dodge it. Why is that? I am wrestling with this issue and I am afraid its not as black and white as you claim.

The reason I did not answer your question is because you totally changed and added to my last answer. There was not even a hint of suggestion in my answer to cause the question you asked. So It would do no good to answer again and have another answer changed and added to.

 

[Deacon]

In my situation this is the reality. I have large debts and my income does not allow me to pay the largest ones, but I am able to make payments on credit cards and smaller loans. I am waiting on the lord to provide me with a better paying job at his due time. In the meantime I am trying to build a better resume make contacts, and perhaps I may take a few night classes here and there to better my job skills.

Reminds me of the old Tennessee Ernie Ford song:

Some people say a man is made outta mud
A poor man's made outta muscle and blood
Muscle and blood and skin and bones
A mind that's a-weak and a back that's strong

You load sixteen tons, what do you get
Another day older and deeper in debt
Saint Peter don't you call me 'cause I can't go
I owe my soul to the company store

I was born one mornin' when the sun didn't shine
I picked up my shovel and I walked to the mine
I loaded sixteen tons of number nine coal
And the straw boss said "Well, a-bless my soul"

You load sixteen tons, what do you get
Another day older and deeper in debt
Saint Peter don't you call me 'cause I can't go
I owe my soul to the company store

I was born one mornin', it was drizzlin' rain
Fightin' and trouble are my middle name
I was raised in the canebrake by an ol' mama lion
Cain't no-a high-toned woman make me walk the line

You load sixteen tons, what do you get
Another day older and deeper in debt
Saint Peter don't you call me 'cause I can't go
I owe my soul to the company store

If you see me comin', better step aside
A lotta men didn't, a lotta men died
One fist of iron, the other of steel
If the right one don't a-get you
Then the left one will

You load sixteen tons, what do you get
Another day older and deeper in debt
Saint Peter don't you call me 'cause I can't go
I owe my soul to the company store

God is faithful brother.

Rob

 

[HeDied4U]

First it is not wise getting into debt. We need to learn the difference between wants and needs. However for those who are in debt paying it off is a must if we are to maintain following in the faith. A debt is a contract and we have no right to break it and dishonor the Lord.

Amen!!

That's what got me into trouble early on in my adult life...thought I just had to have everything I wanted.

Should of remembered the lesson I learned growing up; that we (us kids) may not have had everything we wanted, but we had everything we needed...and we were happy.

 

[righteousdude2]

I Agree....

Perfect. I weary of those who threaten believers with God's wrath for a lack of giving in church.

Paying debts is serious. It is directly addressed in scripture with 'Owe no man anything, but to love one another'

.....Those who hold giving and tithing over the head of believers, with the thought of something devastating happening if they don't give appropriately is kin to the principles of the WOF teachers.

There is a thin line between the two, and that kind of rhetoric needs to be tuned down a notch or two!

 

[righteousdude2]

Our Rconomy is Holding Many of Us....

Are you saying we should skip out on going to church and doing evangelism so we can pay debts? What if we owe $300,000 and make 30K a year and can barley afford a payment? What if we have tried to find a better paying job but have failed?

I had a conversation with a brother on this topic today. His view is that God is more concerned with character over debts. We should strive to pay off debts, but God has a different timetable than we do. This brother is just making $600 a month and has a income crisis. No way he is gonna pay off his debts anyday soon. However he is thankful to God that he even has a job.

....hostage! :tonofbricks: You make a very good point. I am thankful for my two sources of retirement income. As small as they are, they just meet the ever growing needs in my life.

 

[righteousdude2]

Don't Feel Bad...

Why is it that you cannot answer a question? You make jabs and then when I ask you a question, you dodge it. Why is that? I am wrestling with this issue and I am afraid its not as black and white as you claim.

....this is FAL's way with way tooooo many folks on this forum. Jabs, judgment, and ego-driven-criticism are what make him the life of the party and each forum topic....:tear:

 

[freeatlast]

....this is FAL's way with way tooooo many folks on this forum. Jabs, judgment, and ego-driven-criticism are what make him the life of the party and each forum topic....:tear:

Remember you just judged yourself. :smilewinkgrin:

 

[Arbo]

Perfect. I weary of those who threaten believers with God's wrath for a lack of giving in church.

Paying debts is serious. It is directly addressed in scripture with 'Owe no man anything, but to love one another'

Good point.

Along with that I'd pose the question of what is worse, not giving the tithe or marring a reputation by defaulting on a loan?

 

[evangelist6589]

Do what the government should have done a long time ago. Change your spending habits and pay your debts. I made this offer before and it still stands. If you are serious I can cut your spending by at least 25%, probably more, and you will be able to pay your off your debts over time while looking for better employment as setting on your scruples while waiting for better employment is not the answer. You will have to be serious as it will mean a serious life change.
Let me give you just one example. I can show you how to cut you food bill to around 50 dollars a month. Actually less but I don't want to stress you too much. That is just one thing and you could put the savings towards your debts.

And why should I listen to you? I am on a special diet and cannot spend $50 on garbage a month. I am sorry man but my weight loss and health are far more important. Yeah I could save tons of money by eating nothing but Mac N Cheese and top ramon each day, but it would destroy my health and I would gain 60 pounds in a month.

 

[evangelist6589]

....this is FAL's way with way tooooo many folks on this forum. Jabs, judgment, and ego-driven-criticism are what make him the life of the party and each forum topic....:tear:

Yeah he claims to be the magical genie to my financial problems, but gives me no reason to trust what he says.

 

[evangelist6589]

Good point.

Along with that I'd pose the question of what is worse, not giving the tithe or marring a reputation by defaulting on a loan?

Not tithing

 

[Arbo]

Not tithing

And of course the inevitable question: Why?

 

[Amy.G]

I can show you how to cut you food bill to around 50 dollars a month. Actually less but I don't want to stress you too much. That is just one thing and you could put the savings towards your debts.

An infant can't survive on $50 a month. How on earth can an adult?

 

[Amy.G]

What does this have to do with tithing?

It is righteous and godly to pay our debts, isn't it? Does that mean we can claim this promise if we are debt free?

Payment of debt is a much clearer NT principle than tithing.

My point is that God has made us a promise that He will take care of our needs if we put Him first. Don't you believe this? I have seen it in my own life. I know He will.

He also says He will give us our "daily" bread. He never says He'll give us a year's supply. We have to trust Him one day at a time.

God will make a way for debts to be paid if we will only trust and obey Him.