Financial slavery is something many of us struggle with, but what are God’s responses to financial burdens? Being on shaky financial ground can be one of the most frustrating, discouraging, and overwhelming places. You may be constantly wasted trying to maneuver the resources you have.
Examples of financial slavery can include:
- Overdue bills. You may be experiencing late fees or phone calls from bill collectors, causing additional financial stress.
- Get Rich Schemes. Are you constantly running after the next “get rich quick” trend? Do you mail raffle forms or buy lottery tickets? If you do, you are most likely in financial trouble and looking for a quick fix.
- Unmet family needs. Is your family struggling to make ends meet? Are the breadwinners unable to provide what they would like to provide for the family?
- Pride. Is there anything that is keeping you from dealing with your financial problems or telling others about them?
- Looking for additional employment. In a family, if both the husband and wife are working and still cannot make the bills and monthly payments, it can be a sign of financial bondage.
- Self indulgence. Financially bonded people can find themselves lacking self-control when it comes to their finances and seek to satisfy every wish and desire without discretion. This can lead to even deeper financial problems.
- Worrying. People in financial hardship may find themselves unable to turn their financial burdens over to God.
- Greed. Are you continually in a state of wanting, without needing it?
If you feel the effects of any of these symptoms, you are probably in financial bondage. However, there are steps you can take to master your money. You can keep track of expenses to better determine how to “stay within” your income, how to budget, and where you can cut back on unnecessary expenses. However, financial “tips” can only bring you so much; In the end, you will have to face the root of your financial problems.
If you ask the Holy Spirit, the Spirit of Truth, to enlighten your finances, God will do it! Pray this with me: “Father, bring me into your light, show me where I can save money and feel the things that I am doing to cause waste in my finances.”
Remember that the Spirit of the Lord is here with you to free you from your financial bondage. One of the most common forms of financial bondage is credit card debt. Credit cards, by themselves, are not harmful, but if used irresponsibly they can wreak havoc on your chances of financial freedom. If you find yourself in debt, remember this scripture:
The rich rule over the poor, and the borrower is the lender’s servant. – Proverbs 22: 7
God does not want the borrower to serve the lender. The best way to avoid this is not to give in to temptation. If you’re already in debt, set up a debt reduction plan. Start snowballing or systematically applying the money you now have from an invoice being paid to the balance of a current invoice, each time you pay a balance in full. Then commit to not spending more money in ways that don’t please God. Finally, seek help and pray that God will put someone in your life who can help you recover.