To most of us a debt free life is just a dream that only the rich have, or maybe the wisest of people. I absolutely believe that we can live a debt free life if we follow a few basic guidelines and discipline ourselves to do the work. The Bible is your starting place and it has the perfect plan. If we will handle our money Gods' way, He promises to bless us even more. With the Bible and all the other biblical resources available to us, we can achieve our goal of living debt free.

In reality only 4% of Americans live without the worry of money. Our society has steered far away from how things have been in the past and we have taken on the attitude of wanting what we want and wanting it now. In doing this we have bought into the future for money we do not have. Foreclosures, bankruptcies and repossessions only begin to touch on the money problems facing Americans today. Money is the number one cause of divorce and in recent years anti-depressant sales have soared in large part due to people searching for relief from uncontrollable debt.

We never mean for our finances to spiral out of control but, for most of us, that is what it takes to decide it is time to make the necessary changes to correct the problem. It is not always easy and it does require discipline but the rewards are well worth the effort. God wants us to manage our money (which really belongs to Him) well regardless of the amount. God’s financial plan is always the best. His instructions throughout the Bible are to give ten percent (to your church), save ten percent (for emergencies), and manage (live on) eighty percent. We all have the freedom to choose the amounts given in each area, but the 10-10-80 is a good solid approach to manage your money based on biblical principles.

God promises if you use well what you are given, you will be given even more, and you will have in an abundance. But if you use it unwisely or do nothing, even the little you have will be taken away. With the tithe (first ten percent) He promises to protect our money from wrong hands. He will rebuke the devourer for our sakes, and he protect the fruits of our ground.

I want to leave you with a few practical suggestions. Get on a budget and pay off your debt as quickly as possible. Educate yourself through the Bible and other bible based resources. If you are still struggling seek help through a Christian counselor or your pastor. Find a fellow Christian who will help hold you accountable for your financial decisions. When you place God first in your finances you will soon reap the peace and security He intended for you to have.