Living Debt Free Series: Disciplines

Welcome back! In this last part, I’ve outline some of the disciplines we should develop.  Ever heard of the phrase, “you reap what you sow”? As we unveil each discipline, we’ll see how they relate to this phrase.

1. Tithe- Tithing is defined as giving a tenth of our increase (income) to God’s Kingdom; ideally, to the church we attend.  Now, many debate that tithing was for Old Testament times and not the New Testament.  Others get into the semantics of tithing based on gross income vs. net income.  Regardless of your position, we can all agree that there is a blessing associated with sowing into the Kingdom of God.  Malachi 3:10 says: "'Bring all the tithes into the storehouse, that there may be food in my house, and try me now in this, says the Lord of hosts, if I will not open for you the windows of heaven and pour out for you such blessing that there will not be room enough to receive it." It’s interesting that God is actually asking us to test him on this! 

*Personal: There have been times where I could have not tithed and used that money for bills or other needs.  I have proceeded to tithe and believe that God will supply, and He has every time!

2. Pay it back- We already established that we should not be borrowing, but if we do, we should pay what we owe.  Psalm 37:21 says: "The wicked borrows and does not repay, but the righteous shows mercy and gives."

3. Give- The bible says that God loves a cheerful giver (2 Corinthians 9:7).  We should always be looking to give.  And giving doesn’t always equate to money.  We can give of our time, of our belongings, or even of ourselves by helping someone in need.  Proverbs 3:27 says: "Do not withhold good from those to whom it is due, when it is in the power of your hand to do so.” The beauty of giving is that it instantly produces a double blessing.  The person in need is blessed and the person giving is also blessed in return.

*Personal: I was sitting in traffic when I saw a lady walking up and down the street holding a sign asking for help.  I did not have money in my wallet at the time, but I did have a fruit in my bag.  So I called her over and gave her a fruit to eat.  Although it was a small deed, I felt instantly satisfied to have blessed her with what I had.

4. Save- Learn from the ants! Proverbs 6:6–8 says: "Take a lesson from the ants, you lazybones. Learn from their ways and become wise! Though they have no prince or governor or ruler to make them work, they labor hard all summer, gathering food for the winter." So there’s a savings component here. Savings, not for the sake of being greedy and hoarding everything, but so that we can be prepared during difficult times and to bless others as well. “In the house of the wise are stores of choice food and oil, but a foolish man devours all he has" (Proverbs 21:20).

The Bible says that “it is more blessed to give than to receive” (Acts 20:35).  The key to living a debt free life is 1) recognize that God is our source, and 2) understand that we must be givers.  The more we bless others, the more we will be blessed. 

 

I pray you’ve learned some important tips from this series as you journey through living a debt free life. Remember, that the Lord is your source.  We need to do our part by being responsible with what God grants us, bless and give onto others, and trust that the Lord will take care of all our needs. He never fails!