I was reading a Christian personal finance book this morning and I ran across a section of the book that addressed the question of whether or not you should give while you are working through the process of getting out of debt.This author's assessment was non-committal on what you should give while getting out of debt. He encouraged Christians trying to get out of debt to pray about their giving and attempt to give something while paying off their debt.
Speaking from my own experience of getting out of debt and still giving, Here is my own personal, committed opinion based on God's Word:
- God's baseline standard of giving begins at the level of 10%. I should give at least at this level while paying off my debts. This may require some extreme changes in my lifestyle spending in order to accomplish what God's Word requires.
- God has a way of blessing the 90% that is remaining if I am obedient with His tithe. I'll probably get out of debt faster if I remain in obedience to His Word. Obedience brings blessing.
- My own personal financial ignorance and bad decision making is not a good enough excuse not to give.
- An emergency on my part does not constitute an emergency on God's part or my church.
Now, I know what you're thinking. You would expect a stewardship pastor to make these statements. Again, speaking from my own personal experience, I was able to give above the level of the tithe and still get out of $25,000 in consumer debt in 18 months. Was it hard? You bet! Did it require some extreme changes in lifestyle? Most definitely!
I don't make these statements to brag on myself, but to brag on God and what He was able to accomplish through me as I was obedient to Him. Test Him and see what He is able to accomplish through you as you tithe and get out of debt at the same time!
"Will a man rob God? Yet you rob me." But you ask, 'How do we rob you?' "In tithes and offerings. You are under a curse - the whole nation of you - because you are robbing me. Bring the whole tithe into the storehouse, that there may be food in my house. Test me in this," says the Lord Almighty, "and see if I will not throw open the floodgates of heaven and pour out so much blessing that you will not have room enough for it. I will prevent pests from devouring your crops, and the vines in your fields will not cast their fruit," says the Lord Almighty. "Then all the nations will call you blessed, for yours will be a delightful land," says the Lord Almighty (Malachi 3:8-12).
How in the world did you pay off that much in 18mos - that is incredible. I need to learn how to do that. Excellent job on your part.
ReplyDeleteLori - thanks for leaving a comment. It was an incredible accomplishment and I give God all the glory for helping me pay off that much money that fast. Perhaps I'll tell my story, again, in Monday's post!
ReplyDeleteLarry
I wholeheartedly agree with this post! In the past, my husband and I did not tithe, because we "did not have enough." The funny thing is, I know that if we had started to tithe and cut down on unnecessary spending, we would have had MORE than enough. God owns it all; we only earn what we earn because of Him! We made it our mission this year to make sure we are tithing 10%, even though we are getting out of debt.
ReplyDeleteGood for you and your husband, Christina! Keep giving and paying off your debt. Way to go!
ReplyDeleteLarry
YES I THINK IT IS VERY IMPORTANT TO GIVE TO GOD WHILE YOU ARE IN DEBT!!! I am winning with money by putting God first in every area of my life including my finances. I give 11% of my gross income to God. My total debt was $78 thousand as of January 2008. My present debt balance is $21 thousand. Yes, I have paid off $57 thousand in debt thus far. I am projecting that I should be completely out of debt by August of this year. No, I did not inherit any money, win the lotto, gamble at the casino and win or sell anything (car, land, house etc), or get a huge pay raise. I do not earn a really high wage. My secret is that I pray and seek God’s help in showing me ways to be more frugal and he is faithful in doing so.
ReplyDeleteAbundantlyBlessed,
ReplyDeleteYou are killing your debt with God's help, and I applaud you! Way to go! May you continue to be blessed by our Lord.
Larry
I just finished getting my debt picture and I'm about $70K in debt, including student loans.
ReplyDeleteI am looking for direction on how to start because my debt payments far exceed my income.
I just recently gave up my selfishness of money/lack of abundant thinking for Lent and I give 10% faithfully. God has always been good to me, but recently He has amazed me with the 90%.
That being said, I am seeking a direction to pay off my debt.
eggBrain - I believe that Dave Ramsey has the best plan going for getting out of debt as quickly as possible. Check out Financial Peace University or Dave's "Total Money Makeover" book at www.daveramsey.com.
ReplyDeleteLarry
Thank you very much. Expressed for a long time I think about a topic. I added the bookmark to your site. I think we will meet a longer period of time.
ReplyDeleteThanks, Debt. Glad you liked the post.
ReplyDelete