"I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus". (Philippians 3:14)
Everyone in the world has goals... some are good and show to be beneficial, while others will ultimately prove to be destructive. As believers in Christ, what should provide us with impetus and perseverance is in knowing a goal is aligned with God's will - then we can run with it.
Regarding being free of debt, He has given us this direction in His Word. Two examples are from Romans 13:8, "Owe no one anything, except to love one another..." and in Proverbs 22:7, "The rich rules over the poor, and the borrower is servant to the lender."
In light of the soccer image analogy above, It is key for us to realize that there is a goal to press on towards regarding our debts. It can be easy to just lay back, kicking the ball around midfield (maintaining our debts without any plan or action to reduce them), being oblivious to the possibility of the other team suddenly gaining possession of the ball, streaking downfield and scoring. This happens when the unexpected event occurs in the form of a large repair bill, loss of income, medical issue, etc.
There has been a phrase for many of years of "getting ahead". Merriam-Webster states the meaning of that is to achieve success. Many people think that when they land that big job, buy the big house and car, and have some expensive things that are successful and getting ahead. But most of those households are actually further behind financially than when they were young - they've plunged into much deeper debts with lengthy commitments, in a more fragile state to lose much of it.
To really "get ahead" is what God has called us to... to set our sights on the goal in front of us, advancing the ball steadily forward. To apply this in a practical sense, sit down this week and lay out your current monthly bills, total the minimum monthly payments up and divide that by your monthly income. Agree as a household that you will not increase that percentage. And in concert, set aside an amount to the smallest balance bill and make an additional payment towards it next month. This is moving the ball forward. When you have retired that smallest debt, you now have a larger amount the next month to apply to the next smallest debt - this is like on the soccer field when an opposing player is ejected and you now have an advantage to score!
You know in soccer it is rare for a player to take the ball any lengthy distance on their own and kick it into the net. With 11 opposing players, it normally requires frequent passing, communication, and a willingness to yield the ball to a teammate to see the result all of the team wants... the ball in the back of the net. In the same manner, making this debt-free effort work encompasses communication in your household to achieve the right agreeable balance of what can be yielded by each member so the larger goal can be completed. Listen to what God is speaking to you to yield in setting a good example for the household.
I know of a young couple that is pressing on towards the goal with diligence. They are actively moving the ball downfield. They have accepted additional jobs, are focused on monitoring their spending and measuring the reduction of their debt. They are on track to reach their goal of being debt-free in about the next month.
I am sure they can attest that these closing words of encouragement from Jeremiah 29:11 are true:
"For I know what I have planned for you, says the Lord. I have plans to prosper you, not to harm you. I have plans to give you a future filled with hope."
God bless you and may He show Himself greatly to you,
Paul
