The Bottom Line, Ministries Christian News, Articles, & Poetry 
In my last post, I discussed the importance of tithing from God’s point of view and the implications of good it has for those of us who will believe and partner with Him in this area. Here are a few other God-directed steps to achieve the good news of financial peace and freedom. Freedom from debt is attainable…it just takes some purposeful effort on your part. The end results are worth the temporary pain of self denial.
God is the greatest giver…ever…as John 3:16 attests to. Not only did He give His son, but He gives forgiveness, love, mercy, supply, peace and so very much more. It is an example for us. Give and it shall be given unto you…(Luke 6:38). Be a giver! Give of your time, your love, your supply (including money), your seeming lack of supply, your friendship, your energy. Be sure to let your children see you give. Be creative and believe that God will do what He says. He will give back in so many ways…including monetarily. He owns the cattle on a 1,000 hills, you know.
Pay your bills. It is a fundamental directive. Romans 13: 7-8 says to owe no man anything but love. Psalm 27:31 points out that it is a wicked thing to borrow and not pay back. The most telling verse in the Bible says it all. That verse is Proverbs 22:7…the borrower is owned by the lender! God does not want us to to be in debt. Even when we have to do “without”, the wisdom of His command shouts to the one who finds themselves in opposition to His “best” way.
Dave Ramsey is a Christ-centered Financial Adviser who bases his books, radio shows, and personal presentations on Proverbs 22:7. He created Financial Peace University which includes a plan of 7 Baby Steps to assist even the most deeply indebted ones to attain financial freedom and the accompanying peace. As you accomplish each step, tackle the next one.
Baby Step 1 : Find creative (honest) ways to gather $1,000 for an emergency fund and put this aside for an emergency.
Baby Step 2: Pay off all debt (bill by bill, loan by loan, payment by payment) starting with the smallest one and progressing to the biggest.
Baby Step 3: Save up to 3-6 months worth of expenses in your savings account.
Baby Step 4: Invest 15% of your household income into Roth IRAs and pretax income.
Baby Step 5: Start a savings fund for your child’s college expenses.
Baby Step 6: Pay off your house as early as possible with the extra money you have from not paying into the debt mill.
Baby Step 7: Now, build up your wealth and give generously…be able to leave an inheritance for your children.
Don’t let debt hinder your God-given purpose. Break free from debt. Do it the same way you eat an elephant…one bite at a time. Start now, paying one payment at a time towards your debt and let today be the first day of your journey to financial freedom.
