At the start of the Gospel of Mark, he declares “Prepare the way of the Lord, make His beaten tracks straight (level and passable)!” Mark was seeking to capture the attention of those to what would become the most important event of their day – the arrival and ministry of Jesus Christ on the Earth.
We basically know that in following the Lord, there are two requirements. First, to remove the obstacles in the way, which in most circumstances is our flesh. Second, to embrace lovingly and put into action in faith that which is written so we will see God’s Word performed. Let’s apply this towards the area of eliminating our debts and advancing towards a more prosperous future financially.
We need to recognize the fact that our flesh (fallen human nature) will always attempt to steer us away from God. Galatians 5:17 tells us “For the desires of the flesh are opposed to the [Holy] Spirit, and the [desires of the] Spirit are opposed to the flesh (godless human nature).” Money and indebtedness is just another area the flesh seeks to bring about our ruin. It is our flesh that whines to us that we will not be happy without buying this thing. The flesh has no concern for what that thing will do to our budget.
Like any area the flesh tries to dictate to us, it will not be satisfied until it overtakes us. The loose supply of credit and acceptance of credit cards everywhere has allowed many households to get in over their heads in a short period of time. So how do we remove this obstacle of the flesh that is in the way? By reading, absorbing and taking to heart God’s Word.
As you read God’s Word regularly, meditate afterwards on what you’ve read, seek His face and goodness in times of prayer and communion with Him, you will notice a lowered desire for the things the flesh. Galatians 5:16 says – “But I say, walk and live [habitually] in the [Holy] Spirit [responsive to and controlled and guided by the Spirit]; then you will certainly not gratify the cravings and desires of the flesh (of human nature without God).”
Second, reflecting on our love for the Lord and as a result increasing our desire to put into action what is written. A profound verse is Proverbs 30:25 - The ants are a people not strong, yet they lay up their food in the summer. The instruction here is to consider this tiny insect of God’s creation, and how they do not consume all that they have gained, but lay aside provision for the seasons to come. We can learn wisdom from this.
A step you can take today is to go over your monthly fixed bills, then your credit card statement – looking for fixed monthly payments… then evaluate if you are really benefitting from these repeated charges. If you are spending more than you make finding a bill or two to reduce or remove here can have a good impact, because the savings will be repeated each month. We just reduced one bill (cable & internet) and removed another (Netflix) in our household from doing this simple step.
Lastly, if you have cares regarding your finances, be encouraged by this promise from God - Cast your cares on the LORD and he will sustain you; he will never let the righteous be shaken (Psalms 55:22)
God Bless you and may He show Himself greatly to you,
Paul
