Thoughts from daily Bible reading for today- August 4, 2011
“Now it shall come to pass, if you diligently obey the voice of the LORD your God, to observe carefully all His commandments which I command you today, that the LORD your God will set you high above all nations of the earth. And all these blessings shall come upon you and overtake you, because you obey the voice of the LORD your God… The LORD will open to you His good treasure, the heavens, to give the rain to your land in its season, and to bless all the work of your hand. You shall lend to many nations, but you shall not borrow.” Deuteronomy 28:1-2,12
A government debt crisis becomes a crisis for those it governs—everyone is affected. Institutions, individuals and businesses are not immune, and sadly, some have even contributed to the crisis with their careless management of money. An avalanche of debt causes emotions to run rampant: fear, anger, self-preservation, hoarding and helplessness escort those indebted to debt. It’s like tiredly treading water in the middle of a vast ocean.
The Lord looks at national debt as unwise, even wrong. He says it’s ok for nations to lend, but not to borrow, because—as with households—we becomes enslaved to those we owe. Sadly, He even says there are curses associated in growing a government that has to grovel to other governments for money. A nation’s values are at stake when a foreign influence has financial control over a country. Liberty is mortgaged away for new money.
“But it shall come to pass, if you do not obey the voice of the LORD your God, to observe carefully all His commandments and His statutes which I command you today, that all these curses will come upon you and overtake you” (Deuteronomy 28:15).
Is it wise to give increased credit limits to government officials—who like an obese person with a food addiction—badly need accountability around spending and budgeting? Unfortunately, those with an addictive lifestyle have to be shocked out of their denial—an intervention is necessary. We cannot spend our way out of debt or debt our way out of debt. Fiscal discipline and wholeness comes with costly cuts and living within our means.
Managing another’s money requires more responsibility not less. This is why wise stewards understand that God owns everything: governments, corporations, ministries and retirement funds. As a follower of Jesus we are a manager for Jesus, so we pray, Almighty God how would you like for us to manage Your assets? How can we transition from being a debtor nation to one that lends and influences the world on Your behalf?
What is your part in a government debt crisis? Take ownership of the problem—it is yours, theirs and ours. Avoid personal debt and model well fiscal responsibility at work, church and home. Raise the standards for what’s expected of those who manage taxpayer money and hold them accountable to implement with integrity. Mostly, seek the Lord in repentance and forgiveness, so we can all come clean as His wise stewards. His blessings abound for those who obey His commands, but regrettably curses await the disobedient.
“The borrower is slave to the lender” (Proverbs 22:7b). “You were bought at a price; do not become slaves of human beings” (1 Corinthians 7:23).
What is my part in becoming fiscally responsible as a country and as a citizen?
Related Readings: 2 Kings 4:1-7; Proverbs 3:27-28; 6:1-5; Romans 13:8; James 4:13-15
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First time I understood God’s perspective on our nation’s debt crises!
Overwhelming opinions from economists, politicians, commentators, community leaders including a few clerics… Regrettably, none with His Word.
Very gratefull!!
You are so right about borrowing but Jesus also told us to help the poor, widows and orphans. Basically the least of these and some who profess to love and follow the teachings of Jesus Christ have not done so. Jesus and the Christian religion has been co-opted by some for political reasons only and that their words and deeds are not matching up. This is sad and the vitriol that has been spewed needs to stop and now. So I guess the moral of the story is we need to continue to pray and have faith that God will what he said he will do. He said He would never leave or forsake. I guess that would go for you also when you are soliciting for donations, God will provide. If he gives a vision, he will provide provision.
Wonderful message and timely. Before we can expect a sea change in D.C., our personal spending habits must match a responsible life style
While I concur with the jist of this, the “debt crisis” and budget (future spending) are 2 seperate issues. We should pay our bills and not default or take bankruptcy. Other countries depend upon us being responsible. Paying our bills should require us to adjust our budget to accommodate and it should not be on the backs of the poor, disabled folks or middle class. The private sector, people and business, with the help of our government, has been allowed to have “tax breaks” and loopholes that hurt social programs, education, health care, ecological protection, infrastructure, and other much needed government services. We are all culpable, not just our government. I agree with “taking ownership”. I don’t agree with the statement “is it wise to give government increased credit limits?” That is not part of the discussion. I can see how someone reading this may think that our government is seperate from us and mostly responsible for this problem. We all are and some more than others.
Thank you for providing this daily devotional.
Today as the beautiful rain is pouring down, I am reading your passage from Dueteronomy and wondering with sadness about how far our nation has come from deserving God’s blessing. We have lined the pockets of the rich and taken away from the poor. We have allowed sin in all its various forms to mount to such stinking levels that I feel the need to shield my eyes and my children’s eyes. How can a holy God look down upon us and bless us?
Amen, however, I believe this is a call to righteous indignation. I am not responsible for this mess, and I will not bale these clowns out. I have learned the hard way to live within my means, if I don’t, I am on the streets. It’s that simple.
Been there, done that. Poverty does not discriminate, our leaders do.