Randy Alcorn revisits the topic of debt in his question of the week. From his post:

“The New American Standard Bible translates Romans 13:8, "Owe nothing to anyone." This would appear to prohibit debt. The New International Version reads, "Let no debt remain outstanding." This translation would allow debt, but insists it be paid off as soon as possible. Hudson Taylor and Charles Spurgeon believed that Romans 13:8 prohibits debt altogether. However, if going into debt is always sin, it's difficult to understand why Scripture gives guidelines about lending and even encourages lending under certain circumstances. If debt is always sin, then lending is aiding and abetting sin, and God would never encourage it.”

Taken as a whole the bible is clear, debt is something that God discourages for his children because it is harmful for our long-term spiritual health. It is also harmful for the heath of the Lord’s church because congregations laden with debt cannot be used as extensively for ministry and missions as those operating debt-free. Struggling under a mountain of consumer debt is a warning sign that the love of money and possessions has taken root. Thankfully God offers hope through people like Dave Ramsey for all our struggles including wallet sized ones.

Tags: holiness