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Biblical Imperatives to Save & Accelerate Debt Repayment?

CecilW

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Actually, this has implications to the Biblical family, and I could use some of you scholarly folks' wisdom. 8-)

First the Setup ...
While some disagree, many or perhaps most Christians concede that there is a Biblical mandate to Tithe 10%, that in Malachi 3:10, God clearly identifies it as His own and accuses non-payers of theft.

Again, while some disagree, many of us have taken that passage as both directive and promise for our lives, such that no matter how many "urgent" demands may be clamoring for our money, we first pay our tithe, hopefully with a thankful heart for our Father's provision, hopefully with something extra added as offering or "seed money". also with a thankful heart, and trust God to then stretch the money, rebuke the devourer, or provide for our needs in whatever way He chooses, so that other verses will be fulfilled as well about the righteous not suffering lack (Ps 34:10).

It is to folks who share this viewpoint that this thread is addressed. If you don't believe in tithing, nor that God does honor the responsibility He assumes in these verses, fair enough. But this thread is using this viewpoint as a STARTING point, so debating it won't help with my question. :(

In a nutshell, I believe that every time we put God first by honoring Him with our tithe and offerings, regardless of visible circumstances, we testify to the watching universe that God is our Provider, and that He does indeed provide with sufficiency. I personally can and do report that He honors that testimony.

Now, the questions ...
Recently, while considering various writings about financial management, and the fact that a common habit of folks who build wealth (as opposed to those who perrenially struggle, such as, um, me) is that they "pay themselves first". Sorta like "pay God first". That sounded familiar. Got me remembering that old quote from the little book "The Richest Man in Babylon", "My life changed the day I truly understood that a portion of all I earn is mine to keep". Got me also remembering the passages in Proverbs about how a righteous man leaves an inheritance to his children's children. So I got to wondering ...

Would "paying myself first" so to speak, putting another tithe aside for saving and investment, regardless of competing, clamoring, urgent "requirements", also testify to the watching universe? If so, what? Would it testify that God has judged me worthy of life, and worthy of prospering? That He takes pleasure in MY prosperity (Ps 35:27; Pr 10:22). If so, could/should I do so with equal impunity, asking and expecting God to provide for these other clamoring "needs" regardless of the diversion of these funds? Would/does He hold Himself honor bound to honor that testimony?

Let's take it one step further. Can the same be said of setting aside yet a third 10% for accelerated repayment of personal debts? Does it testify? if so, what? That all God's commands are enablings? That He has commanded us to owe no man anything except love? (Ro 13:8) And that therefore, we can and must with impugnity, devote a portion of our income to that end, trusting that He will supply all of our remaining needs (food, shelter, clothing, transportation, meaningful work and relationships, etc.) as well? Has He agreed to go that far, in scripture?

Does it follow that refraining to do so testifies as well? A testimony at contrast with and more powerful than our words? Especially when it is said that we only truly believe what we act upon?

Whoop it up, folks! :lol: Opinions? Testimonies? Has anyone taken either or both of these two additional steps in faith, despite impossible looking circumstances? With what results? And what scriptures did you particularly use and hold onto?

Respectully, and with thanks,
Cecil
 
Here is my testimony,

A few years ago I got my self into a financial disaster by marrying the wrong women and following the Jezebel spirit to get deep into debt. I was a non Spirit-filled, baby Christian at the time and did not really know how to follow the lead of the Holy Spirit or hear from God. I was married to the second wrong woman when God really took hold of me, filled me with the Holy Spirit and started to get me grown up in Christ. I went into debt from a nasty divorce from the first wife and when the second wife ran off with the cable repairman, (would make a good country and western song) :) I was deep in debt, (nearly 1 million dollars). As a plastic surgeon, I was making a lot of money but it would have taken me between 20-30 years to pay things off at the rate that I was trying to do it. I paid tithes and gave offerings in the beginning according to percentages, (10% minimum on gross income). Then after I received the baptism of the Holy Spirit, God showed me something that I eventually called prospective tithing. God told me to calculate all of my expenses and add some for entertainment and then pay the tithe prospectively on what I would need to cover all those expenses. Mind you I did not have that income at the time, so this was a real test of faith. I began to do this. In no time, my business picked up to the point that there was enough income to cover all the expenses and have some left over to go to the movies, out to dinner, etc. Needless to say I was excited about these things.

I had in my heart that I wanted some day to give 90% of my income to God and of the 10% left I could live a comfortable lifestyle, just as one man who I had read about did. I increased the amount that I dedicated to God over time and God blessed me accordingly. When I was pondering the 90% giving one day, the Holy Spirit said to me why not 100%. I thought, why not? Then I settled it in my heart that I was going to dedicate 100% of my income to God. I prayed and told God that I wanted to do this and that from then on everything that I made, I was going to dedicate to Him, (even if it was only like the two mites compared to some). I told Him that He would need to tell me what to do with it. The response from God took me aback. He said, “What is Mine is yours.” I never understood this principle before, though it is right there in the scriptures, (Romans 8:17). From that point forward every time I get paid, I would pray and dedicate my income to the Lord and ask Him to tell me what to do with it. I do this same thing today.

After my second wife divorced me and God had me marry my current wife, (who is a South African), I began to work toward being debt free, (i.e., come out of Babylon). Things were going well for a time, but God revealed to me in 2003 that the coming financial crisis, (which would start in June, 2006 - see my teaching on The Real 666) would make it difficult to stay in America. Thus we made plans to obey God and leave. It took 2 years for God to get us out of debt, (though it took selling most of our stuff). We paid off everything and put away enough money over here in South Africa to live comfortably on for ten months until I could start working again. We still have no debt and are able to save some, though we live on less than I used to pay my office staff in America. We own our car and house outright, though it technically is God’s as we have dedicated all that we have to Him.

In all this I have found that less is more. The less money and material things we have the less stress there is and the more time I have for God and my family. Through the grace of God we have found a wonderful balance in our lives and there is no fear of lack, as God has supernaturally provided for us all along. We are preparing for the upcoming great tribulation. I believe that this downsizing and move from Babylon that God did with us is a step in that direction. Here in South Africa it is not uncommon for the electricity to go out randomly or the water to be shut off without warning. We have learned to get through these mini-trials without complaining. Though this is not anything compared to the suffering that many Christians will go through in the near future, I believe that it is a sort of boot camp to get us ready mentally for what is to come. The place of safety in the wilderness, (though the exact location is yet to be revealed) is on this continent, so we can walk if necessary, (if we get to go, Luke 21:36).

I should mention that there was a time that when I was running our home church in America that we all pooled our money, just as is described in the book of Acts. For a time everyone had enough, until the complaining started and God told us to stop. It was wonderful for a time and I got to taste what the first church did. It was truly blessed of God and everyone was well cared for. When the true church goes into the wilderness during the great tribulation, we will have all things in common. It is time that Christians get used to this idea, just as they need to get used to the idea of polygyny. Only the people who can operate in these things and walk in the perfect love of Jesus Christ will escape. My advice is to take the leap of faith and dedicate all that you have to the Lord. Then ask Him what to do with it. You may be surprised at what He tells you, though it will ruffle the religious feathers of those around you. I cover many of the issues that modern Christians have with finance and why the prosperity gospel does not work in my teaching entitled, Show Me the Money!.

Be blessed,

Dr. Ray
 
Cecil,
WOW! The financial questions seem to be coming out of the wood work today. I just got done responding to a financial question on another thread here viewtopic.php?f=34&t=509 which is a basic summary of budgeting. I am definitely loving this. I love discussing finances.

I definitely think that getting out debt and staying out of debt is a testimony. Let us face it. Most people, especially americans, are broke today. They may make $80,000 a year, but they are $300,000 - $400,000 in debt. I do not see as though the scriptures condemn debt as sin, but the scriptures definitely portray debt as DUMB.

Proverbs 22:7 "The rich rules over the poor, And the borrower is servant to the lender." (The Scriptures)
Romans 13:8 "Owe no one any matter except to love one another, for he who loves another has filled the Torah. " (The Scriptures)
Proverbs 22:26-27 "Do not be one of those who shakes hands in a pledge, One of those who are guarantors for debts. If you do not have the means to pay, Why should he take away your bed from under you?" (The Scriptures)
Proverbs 17:18 "A man void of understanding striketh hands, and becometh surety in the presence of his friend." (The Scriptures)


Being out of debt and financially secure would definitely be a testimony as to how Yahuweh has blessed you. Not necessarily with money, but with financial wisdom and self discipline. In a world and society that is WAAYYY over their heads in debt, someone who is financially secure is definitely a shining light. Imagine losing your job and you are still as happy as ever because you have everything paid off and several months of living expenses saved up. We already know that the scriptures portray debt as dumb, but many people think that being rich or saving money is wrong. That is definitely not the case with the scriptures though.

Proverbs 21:20 "Desirable treasure and oil, Are in the dwelling of the wise, But a foolish man swallows it up." (The Scriptures)

In fact planning and budgeting are described by the Messiah himself!

Luke 14:28-30 "For who of you, wishing to build a tower, does not sit down first and count the cost, whether he has enough to complete it? Otherwise, when he has laid the foundation, and is unable to finish it, all who see it begin to mock him, saying, ‘This man began to build and was unable to finish' "

Debt is when we do not have enough to finish or have enough to do what we want to do. It is when we fail to be wise and plan and budget. We plan for building things like our houses and such, but why do we not plan for building the rest of our financial lives? Why is it that we just go through life depending on and leaning on credit and debt. Debt is money that we do not have and money that we inevitably end up paying back much more than we would have if we had of just paid cash in the first place.

So yes I really do believe that getting out of debt, staying out of debt, and building wealth is a testimony to the world. Anyone can do it regardless of what income they currently bring in. I suggest that you get a copy of the book "Total Money Makeover" by Dave Ramsey. It is definitely the best financial advise based on scripture that I have seen for getting out of debt, staying out of debt, and building wealth. If you can not afford it then just let me know and I will mail you a copy. I believe in it that much. If you need any specifics then do not hesitate to ask. Also, I just added four more documents to the resources page that you can access from our homepage. Baby steps concerning debt, a sample budget form, financial scriptures, and financial quotes.

Be a financial testimony of Yahuweh's blessing to the world.
 
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