Is it Wrong to be in Debt?

Continuing on the subject of debt, I've heard some Christians teach that it is a sin to borrow money and go into debt. One primary verse used in the argument against debt is Prov 22:7, as we discussed in the last post: "The rich rule over the poor, and the borrower is slave to the lender."

Romans 13:8 is also frequently used to argue that Christians should not be in debt: "Let no debt remain outstanding, except the continuing debt to love one another, for he who loves his fellowman has fulfilled the law."

Note that the preceding verse, 13:7, states "Give everyone what you owe him: If you owe taxes, pay taxes; if revenue, then revenue; if respect, then respect; if honor, then honor." Paul's focus is that we must pay what we owe, and not necessarily to stay out of debt. This emphasis on the importance of paying your debts is seen in other verses throughout the Bible:

Proverbs 22:26-27 "Do not be a man who strikes hands in pledge or puts up security for debts; if you lack the means to pay, your very bed will be snatched from under you."

Psalms 37:21 "The wicked borrow and do not repay, but the righteous give generously"

If it was a sin to borrow and become indebted, Jesus wouldn't have said, "Do not turn away from the one who wants to borrow from you." (Matt 5:42) or "Forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors." (Matt 6:12)

It is really easy to pick a verse here and there, and create a black and white doctrine out of it. But, we often miss the point entirely. So I would like to ask: what does Bible as a whole teach about this subject?

The moral question
The most important question is: Why are we borrowing money? Is it for materialism, for the appearance of prosperity (i.e. Mammon ), OR for basic needs, or for the purpose of growing wealth to enable others? Jesus talked profusely about the condition of the heart, which therefore must be the primary consideration in borrowing money. If we are going into debt so we can live beyond our means, this creates a moral problem. And, it will make it increasingly difficult to pay back our debts - which is unacceptable as seen in the verses above.

"One man pretends to be rich, yet has nothing; another pretends to be poor, yet has great wealth" (Prov 13:7). Jesus condemns the servant who buried the talent, rather than use it to gain interest. If Jesus is so hard on people who simply bury their money, how hard would He be on people who negatively go in to debt to buy frivolous things?!?

Yet, if someone uses debt wisely, they may be able to actually create wealth and provide for their basic needs as well as for others.

For those that see debt as a black and white issue: I'd like to know what is the difference between leasing your home from a landlord or loaning money to "buy" your home from a bank? Would Jesus get caught up in this argument?

We are already indebted to God. Everything is essentially on loan to us. God is the Creator and rightfully owns everything. As He is the provider, we are all called to be His stewards or property managers of all that He has given. Our Creator's generosity benefits all of us, in the same way that the under- privileged can benefit from the ability to borrow money (i.e. start a business, invest, etc).

"Wealth and honor come from you; you are the ruler of all things. In your hands are strength and power to exalt and give strength to all." (1 Chr 29:12)

"His master replied, 'Well done, good and faithful servant! You have been faithful with a few things; I will put you in charge of many things. Come and share your master's happiness!" (Matt 25:21)

Whoever can be trusted with very little can also be trusted with much, and whoever is dishonest with very little will also be dishonest with much. So if you have not been trustworthy in handling worldly wealth, who will trust you with true riches? And if you have not been trustworthy with someone else's property, who will give you property of your own." (Luke 16:10-12).

So, I believe that debt in and of itself is not necessarily right or wrong, nor does the Bible actually forbid the borrowing of money. The Bible does clearly warn about the danger of becoming indebted, and cautions us not to borrow more than we can repay. What matters most is WHY an individual goes into debt and how they decide to USE the debt.

One final thought to consider: "Finish your outdoor work and get your fields ready; after that, build your house." Proverbs 24:27

Eat Seed Or Reap The Harvest

"You reap what you sow." How many times have we heard this? And what does sowing and reaping have to do with us? In our extreme post-industrial consumeristic society, do we even know what this means and how it relates to anything relevant? When most people think of this subject, usually one or two things come to mind (besides the Grim Reaper cartoons): God's judgment and proselytizing (the planting of "spiritual seeds").

Certainly, there are plenty of spiritual metaphors; this is what we hear in church every time these terms are used. Paul talks about "sowing to the spirit" and Jesus relates sowing seeds to the Kingdom of God. Bearing good fruit and the fruit of the Spirit are just extensions of this same metaphor so prevalent in the bible.

What is 'sowing and reaping', and how does it relate to wealth in our modern society?

Ever since Adam and Eve flailed in the Garden of Eden, they couldn't just pick food off the trees - but had to work for it. Since then, farming has been the primary means of sustenance for most of human civilization. So needless to say, this favorite parable subject of Jesus was a critical part of daily life at the time.

Sowing is the planting of the seeds in season, and then waiting until its time to gather or harvest of the mature grain crops, or reaping.

2 Corinthians 9:10 tells us, "Now He who supplies seed to the sower and bread for food will supply and multiply your seed for sowing and increase the harvest of your righteousness."

As Genesis depicts, the seed comes from God. Sowing and harvesting is an integral part of God's natural system. When a seed is planted it provides fruit (grain/bread/life sustaining food/etc.), AND multiplies back even more seed to the farmer. Not only will the farmer's hard work in seeding be rewarded with a harvest of fruit, he will gain exponentially more seed with which he can plant more crop.

Now substitute "seed" with "money." The results are the same. If people take their seed-money and invest it (sow it one way or another), eventually it will grow and produce its own fruit. This of course will take time and patience, just as the farmer plants the seed in one season and the reaping takes place in another. Money can be made to work for the sower, and then be multiplied back. Sounds so simple.

Unfortunately, substituting "farmer" with "American Consumer" doesn't work so well. The average American Consumer likes to spend. This is like the farmer EATING his seed before he planted it. The only difference is that the farmer and his family would die if he did that. No seed, means no harvest and no growth. The farmer must plan ahead and be disciplined, while most Americans want to spend NOW.

No wonder so many Americans work sooo hard and sooo many hours, yet live 'hand to mouth'. They would rather eat their seed-money than make it work for them. But reaping always comes after planting the seed and waiting for it to grow.

If we keep eating our seed and don't have the foresight and discipline to produce a fruit in this world, how can we expect to grow spiritual fruit?

See the last post on Sowing and Reaping.

Pictures above are: 1. The Grim Reaper in cartoon. 2. Sowing seed in Old Testament times. 3. Farming in Roman New Testament times. 4. The American Consumer?

Love of Money...Root of All Evil (Part 2)

In our search to better understand the "Love of money is a root of all kinds of evil" verse (1 Tim 6:10), this posting will take a look at the greater context of Paul's situation in writing 1 Timothy. (See previous blog post.) What we find adds another fun twist on this discourse!

In 1 Timothy, Paul has left Timothy, his "true son in the faith," to supervise the growing church in Ephesus. He continually admonishes Timothy to be on guard and fight false teachings. After his greeting, Paul's very first statement tells Timothy to "command certain men not to teach false doctrines...these promote controversies rather than God's work" (1 Tim 1:3-4). Some had wandered away from the faith to follow these false teachers.

Because Paul had problems with Gnostics, Judiazers, and many others leading people from the church astray, Paul describes the godly traits of true teachers. Among other notable qualities such as self control, one such trait is that they are "not a lover of money" (3:4).

This leads us to the Love of Money discourse in chapter 6. As throughout the book, Paul starts by arguing against teachers with "false doctrines", "who are conceited", "have an unhealthy interest in controversies and quarrels," and "who think that godliness is a means to financial gain" (6:3-5). These teachers were trying to profit from their heretical teachings, and thereby leading some people from the church astray. Wanting to get rich, both leaders and church members fell into temptations (6:9), leading Paul to conclude that the "love of money is a root of all kinds of evil. Some people, eager for money, have wandered from the faith and pierced themselves with many griefs" (6:10). Notably, this money problem in 1 Timothy commenced with the 'Christian' teachers, and their desire for profit.

Paul saw firsthand how the desire of money influenced teachers and led to dangerous false doctrines and is a major theme throughout much of his writings. In 2 Corinthians, he is dealing with this same situation as in 1 Timothy. While Paul boasts that he preaches "free of charge" (11:7) and is "not a burden to anyone" (11:9), false apostles were trained speakers that profited off their deceptive teachings. They demanded payment for their services, which was customary in the first century. As they were teaching a different gospel, they even claimed that Paul's teachings had to be inferior since he was not paid by the congregation. Not only does Paul have to defend the teachings of Christ, he has to defend himself as an apostle and a teacher. No wonder he writes about these guys so much!

The 'love of money as a root of all evil' verse is written in direct response to the prevalent conflict in the early church over false doctrine and teachers. Although people love to quote (and misquote) this verse in all types of arguments against Christian wealth, Paul is warning about the dangers of Christian leaders who desire to profit. After all, he is writing specifically to Timothy, a leader in the church of Ephesus. As this letter was widely circulated, it became a warning and admonishment to all followers of Christ. Don't let the desire for money influence sound doctrine based on the teachings of Jesus.

Pictures above are an illustration of the "root of evil" and a painting of Timothy as the Byzantines imagined him. The wolf in sheep's clothing picture represents the false teachers and is from www.zianet.com/maxey/reflx123.htm.

Contentment VS. Progression

Contentment is a key point for Paul the "love of money....root of evil" discourse in 1 Tim 6:10 (see last post).

Paul also says, "I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want." (Phil 4:11-12)

But if you are 'content', is it wrong to desire to progress? Are Contentment and Progression at odds with each other? A lot of today's youth groups and churches would lead Christians to believe so. But contentment is not an excuse to be lazy. Nor an excuse to be ignorant of money.

Contentment is the antonym of greed, the intense selfish and excessive desire for more of something than is needed. Contentment prevents one from avariciously coveting another's possessions. Jesus says to "Be on your guard against all kinds of greed; a man's life does not consist in the abundance of his possessions." (Luke 12)

When we spend our money, its directly influenced by our personal level of contentment. Advertisers prey on our feeling of discontentment, that tells us that we need something to be happy. There's that cliche quote that says something like this: “Millions of Americans are buying things they don’t need, with money they don’t have, to impress people they don’t like!”

Being rich is a not sin, but the lust for being rich (greed, coveting, dissatisfaction) is the point at which sin enters in (1 Tim). Contentment is the single most important disposition for the proper use of money.

So what then what motivates you to Progress? And should you even strive to excel and progress? Of course! Competition and a pursuit of excellence is an integral part of the Bible. Here's just a few examples.

*I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus. (Phil 3:14)

*"Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for men." (Col 3:23)

*"So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God." (1Cor 10:31)

* Peter talks about possessing good qualities in "increasing measure" so you are not ineffective and unproductive. (2 Pr 1:5-11)

*Jesus says "be perfect." - That will take some striving!

These verses are not just talking about some little piece of you that you can label "spiritual," yet forget the rest. They are talking about ALL of you and whatever you do. Try your hardest, not to accumulate things and satisfy your greed, but because it gives God glory. If you are working or making money "in His Name", you better do your best because you are representing Jesus.

*"And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him." (Col 3:17)

In many circumstances in America you be rewarded for progressing and the pursuit excellence. If you try your best - at whatever it is - money and blessings often follow. Of course this is not always the case; there are always factors that are out of one's control. But, this is where one's level of contentment is directly tested. Paul was tested repeatedly, and he concluded that he was "content whatever the circumstances" whether in need or in plenty.

In the context of wealth, Contentment with Progression leads to the WISE making and spending of money.

Read the next post: Love of Money...Root of All Evil? Part 2

Sculptures: Rodin's Thinking Man is contemplating his level of contentment above.
During the Golden Age of Greek art, Discobolus pursues the excellence that led to the Olympics.

Love of Money....Root of All Evil? (Part 1)

How many people have heard someone say "Money is the root of all evil?" Its one of those phrases that permeates society; whether mentioned in church, on CNN, in Newsweek, YouTube, or in some modern rock song. Everyone's heard it, but few people even know where it came from or what it really means.

Well, it came from the Bible:
For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil. (1 Timothy 6:10 - NIV)

Reading the actual verse lets us note the obvious. The text says that "love of money" and not "money" is a root of all kinds of evil. In and of itself, money is a spiritually neutral item. Since its only a medium of exchange, it can be used for either evil or good. While 'money' often gets the bad rap, this verse is really talking about one's 'heart' toward the money.

Also, i think its safe to say the money is not truly "the ROOT of ALL evil." It was not this root that led to the original transgression of Adam and Eve. However, it is the root of the evil that Paul is discussing in this chapter in 1 Timothy. In the sentences preceding 1Tim 6:10, Paul enumerates this exact 'evil'. Paul describes the corruption of people in verse 4 and 5. Some symptoms:

* conceit
* understanding nothing
* an unhealthy interest in controversies and quarrels about words
* envy, strife, malicious talk, evil suspicions and constant friction between men of corrupt mind, who have been robbed of the truth and who think that godliness is a means to financial gain.

Maybe like Tolkien's Ring of Power, money is very hard to wield without corruption. The desire for it can turn even great intentions into evil. Paul, writing to Timothy, issues warnings about this evil. The rest of the verse 6:10 says: "Some people, eager for money, have wandered from the faith and pierced themselves with many griefs."

Regardless of one's amount of wealth, Paul describes the opposite of this "evil." Contentment.

Verses 6-8 say "But godliness with contentment is great gain. For we brought nothing into the world, and we can take nothing out of it. But if we have food and clothing, we will be content with that." Paul has a similar theme in Philippians (4:11-12), and emphasizes the importance of "being content in any and every situation."

Instead of condemning the rich for possessing the root of all evil, Paul tells Timothy to give them this admonishment: "Command those who are rich in this present world not to be arrogant nor to put their hope in wealth, which is so uncertain, but to put their hope in God, who richly provides us with everything for our enjoyment. Command them to do good, to be rich in good deeds, and to be generous and willing to share. In this way they will lay up treasure for themselves as a firm foundation for the coming age, so that they may take hold of the life that is truly life." (1 Tim 6:17-19) Its not the wealth - but the attitude thats the issue. Hope and contentment must be based in God, not the riches.

This initial look at 1 Timothy 6 will be expanded upon in the next posting. To gain more insight, we'll take a much closer look at the context of these verses and who/what Paul is actually responding to. See Part 2 HERE!