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by Sandy Shaw
In our studies in Luke, as we have watched Jesus Christ set His face to go to Calvary, various other important issues have arisen. We have become aware of how false prophets mislead the gullible and how they can upset the faithful.
There is a strong warning from Jesus that when it come nearer the time for His Coming Again, we should be careful we are not deceived pr confused or afraid or overexcited.
One relevant issue has arisen which needs addressing and attention. At this time of the year, in the month of December, there comes that gentle reminder to write on ‘Debt’ and the ‘Danger of Debt’. Why? It is well known that more people get into serious debt in December than in any other month. I know some of you use these studies and notes in your preaching and teaching, because you tell me so, and that is why I am making a slight digression from the text in Luke, but the topic is highly relevant.
Before returning to Kenya in October, the Pastors sent me topics on which they wanted me to speak and teach. At the Team Meetings in Kisumu and Nairobi, I mentioned the debt crisis facing Britain, and asked if they would like me to speak about ‘debt’. The reply was that there was no need to speak about debt as we do not have debt. “We do not buy unless we can pay!”
Debt causes serious arguments, distress and trouble as people are beguiled by tempting offers or special terms and the compelling need to buy extravagantly at times, particularly at this Season. More and more people are incurring debts which can take years to repay.
One simple way avoiding debt is to copy our African friends and say clearly and specifically, “I am not buying that. We cannot afford that. Really we do not need to spend and get ourselves into financial difficulties.”
It is possible to resist the temptation to buy things which you know are beyond your means.
God speaks realistically and practically on the matter of debt. We read in Romans Chapter 13, “Let no debt remain outstanding except the continuing debt to love one another, for he who loves his fellow man has fulfilled the law”. This is a decision which individuals have to make. Sometimes it is not easy, but normally it will be a wise decision.
Yes, all this was written to people who were disciples of Jesus Christ, but it is so essential, and is almost commonsense as we face 2010.
Refuse to get into debt and we have to teach people how to refuse to get into debt. Decide that you are not getting into debt. This has nothing to do with emotion. It is a decision which an individual makes.
If you enter into a contract, that is all right, but keep up with the payments and never take on more than you can safely repay.
There are priorities when it comes to money and financial matters. Pay your tithes and offerings to God. Pay your taxes to the State. We dealt with that in a previous study. And, pay whatever you might owe to your neighbour, no matter who your neighbour might be.
When you discover how God wants you to live, it can save you from months of upset, anxiety and heartache. As we share and teach this, it might just prevent some people from running up unnecessary bills.
Alexander 'Sandy' Shaw is pastor of Nairn Christian Fellowship in Nairn, Scotland. Nairn is 17 miles east of Inverness - on the Moray Firth Coast - not far from the Loch Ness Monster!
Gifted as a Biblical teacher, Sandy is firmly committed to making sure that his teachings are firmly grounded in the Word.
Sandy has a weekly radio talk which can be heard via the Internet on Saturday at 11:40am, New Orleans time, at wsho.com.
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