DEBT IS A TOOL, NOT A WAY OF LIFE
(Know why you are dominated with debt)
Scripture Reading: Proverbs 22:7 — “The rich rule over the poor, and the borrower is servant to the lender.”
WHY DO SO MANY PEOPLE BECOME DOMINATED BY DEBT?
1. FAILURE TO APPLY GOD'S PRINCIPLES OF STEWARDSHIP
God expects us to manage what He gives us faithfully.
Malachi 3:10 teaches the importance of bringing the tithe into God's storehouse.
Giving to God should not be viewed merely as giving to a human being. It is an act of worship and obedience.
However, we must also remember that giving does not replace financial wisdom. We cannot continually spend beyond our means and expect giving alone to solve poor financial decisions.
1 Corinthians 9:11 reminds us that those who sow spiritual things may rightly receive material support from those they serve.
Let us therefore practice generosity while also practicing responsible stewardship. Galatians 6:7 says: “A man reaps what he sows.”
What we do with our money today affects our tomorrow.
2. MAKING BORROWING OUR FIRST SOLUTION
Some people pray: “Lord, please provide for me.” But before they finish praying, they have already decided whom they will call for a loan!
Prayer becomes a formality while borrowing becomes the real plan.
We must change this mindset. Borrowing should not always be our first response to financial pressure.
Sometimes the answer to our financial prayer is not another loan. Sometimes the answer is wisdom, discipline, work, patience, or a change of lifestyle.
3. COMPETING WITH OUR NEIGHBORS
One of the quickest ways into debt is trying to impress people. Someone buys a new phone, and we want one.
But we must remember: We should not borrow money to create an appearance of wealth.
Hebrews 13:5 says: “Keep your lives free from the love of money and be content with what you have.”
Money itself is not evil. The problem is allowing the love of money to control us.
We must learn to live according to our actual resources.
Do not sacrifice your peace to maintain someone else's standard of living.
4. THE RUSH FOR SUCCESS
Many people want to become successful overnight.
But God's principle is often: Little by little. Proverbs 13:11 says: “Wealth gained hastily will dwindle, but whoever gathers little by little will increase it.”
There is nothing wrong with wanting progress. The danger comes when we demand progress at any cost. We may take an enormous loan simply because we cannot wait.
The result can be years of financial pressure.
There is dignity in gradual progress. It is better to build slowly with peace than to build quickly with bondage.
If we can accomplish something in five years without destructive debt, we should not necessarily force ourselves to accomplish it in one year.
5. ACCUMULATING DEBT WITHOUT A REPAYMENT PLAN
Some people borrow but never plan how they will repay. Every new income is spent on something else. The debt remains. Then another loan is taken to pay the first loan. Soon, one debt becomes five debts.
2 Kings 4:1 tells us about a widow whose husband had died, leaving debt behind. The creditor was coming to take her children.
The passage reminds us that debt can have consequences beyond the borrower.
Therefore, when we receive money, we should not consume everything.
After meeting our necessary obligations, we should intentionally allocate something toward reducing our debts. We need a debt strategy.
We should not run away from debt; we should confront it with wisdom, prayer, discipline, and action.
6. SPIRITUAL BONDAGE, CURSES, AND STRONGHOLDS
As believers, we recognize that spiritual warfare is real. The Bible teaches us to pray against spiritual opposition and to stand firmly in Christ.
Daniel 10:12–13 shows Daniel experiencing a delay in the manifestation of an answer to prayer because of spiritual opposition.
2 Corinthians 10:3–4 says: “The weapons of our warfare are not carnal but mighty in God for pulling down strongholds.”
Therefore, we should pray against every spiritual stronghold that works against God's purposes in our lives. But we must also be careful not to blame every financial problem on a curse or demon.
Therefore, we need both prayer and obedience, spiritual warfare and practical wisdom.
7. REFUSING TO LEARN NEW SKILLS
The world changes. Opportunities change. Technology changes. Markets change. Therefore, we must continue learning.
Acts 7:22 tells us that Moses was educated in the wisdom of Egypt.
Jesus was known as a carpenter (Mark 6:3), and Paul worked as a tentmaker (Acts 18:3).
Spiritual knowledge is essential, but practical skills are also valuable.
Sometimes the financial breakthrough we are praying for is connected to a skill we have not yet learned.
Let us stop asking only, “Who will employ me?” and begin asking, “What value can I create?”
8. BORROWING FOR NON-ESSENTIAL CONSUMPTION
One of the most dangerous forms of debt is borrowing for things that do not produce value. We borrow for entertainment. We borrow for expensive clothes. We borrow for ceremonies. We borrow simply because everyone else is doing it.
We should not destroy our financial future to appear generous today.
Titus 3:14 teaches us to devote ourselves to good works and to meet urgent needs. We must learn the difference between NEEDS, WANTS, AND INVESTMENTS.
WHAT SHOULD WE DO IF WE ARE ALREADY OVERWHELMED BY DEBT?
We must confront the situation.
1. ACKNOWLEDGE THE PROBLEM
2. REPENT WHERE NECESSARY
3. STOP CREATING NEW DEBT
4. MAKE A PLAN
5. REDUCE UNNECESSARY EXPENSES
6. INCREASE OUR INCOME
7. COMMUNICATE WITH CREDITORS
8. PRAY
9. BE PATIENT
Do not become discouraged because progress is slow. Little by little, the mountain can come down.
Dr Lawi Mshana, +255712924234, Tanzania
