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Cartoonology Devotional 04-18-09 E. Larry Ross Cartoonology. There is great theology in cartoons and comics. Is it sinful to borrow money? Many people think so, but the scriptures acknowledge the practice of borrowing. God’s people are instructed to loan money to those who are in need. Jesus himself instructs us to do so. Matthew 5:42 (NKJV) Give to him who asks you, and from him who wants to borrow from you do not turn away. The Old Testament of the Bible discourages the lender from charging interest. Psalm 15:5 (NKJV) He who does not put out his money at usury, Nor does he take a bribe against the innocent. He who does these things shall never be moved. There is one verse some people use as a proof text against borrowing money, but this interpretation is incorrect. Romans 13:8 (NKJV) Owe no one anything except to love one another, for he who loves another has fulfilled the law. The truth is, it is extremely difficult and rare to go through life without incurring some sort of debt. That is not the question. The question is taking on debt beyond one’s means or that threatens one with bankruptcy. Our government has yet to learn this lesson and is setting the worst example. The Apostle Paul’s admonition in Romans 13:8 does not prohibit one from borrowing money, but prohibits one from failure to pay his debts or bills. If you think about it, practically everyone has debt. Take your utilities for example. You use the service, and then you pay the bill at the end of the month. The same would be true for credit card use. If you don’t pay your monthly bill, you have unpaid debt – you owe someone something. Even if you borrow money for your house or car, you do not owe the lender anything as long as you make your monthly payments. You are not entirely debt-free, but at the same time, you do not owe anything. I am an advocate for not borrowing money whenever it is possible. Borrowing money can become a bad habit, and in today’s marketplace it is extremely expensive. If you can learn to pay-as-you-go for most things, you will be much better off. I remember mounting up some unnecessary debt for the purchase of gasoline and a few groceries years ago as a young married man. I would put it on the tab every week at this little store I went by on my way home from work (you don’t find any stores doing that these days). I sort of just never thought about how it was mounting up, and the owner had to call me on it after a while. I was surprised how much debt I had accumulated, and I was very embarrassed by the situation. From that point on, pay-as-you go became my motto. What is the answer to the looming debt so many people will potentially incur? Learn to wait until you have the money before you purchase, especially things you do not need. Learn the difference between needs and wants. Make sure the needs are provided for and ration out the wants. There is nothing like financial freedom. It is liberating not to have to panic at the end of the month about unpaid bills. It is criminal to just ignore debt and not care if it gets paid or not. The following verse says it all. Matthew 6:33 (NKJV)
33 But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you. 04-18-09 edrynn@verizon.net
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