I would like to talk to you today about
the Bible command that instructs us to
“owe no man anything except to love
him.” Several years ago, a young man
was voted into the position of Mayor
in Cleveland, Ohio. In no time, he had
exhausted the city’s credit and was
asking the federal government to come
to his rescue. But the government is in
debt, too. Who is not in debt these days?
I recently consulted with a couple on the
fringe of divorce. They fought constantly
about their bills. Nineteen credit cards.
All maxed to the limit. What misery!
Jesus loved us enough to insert in his
teaching, “Owe no man anything except
to love him.” (Romans 13:8) How could
I even love others if my heart is burdened
with debts that I cannot pay?
When pastoring at our church, I attended
a money management conference for
church leaders. God moved on my heart
with the principles of being debt free. I
praised God that I did not owe much.
Following the conference, I destroyed the
few credit cards that I had, except one
card for identification. My home is an
investment. It was not debt free at the
time. The credit cards were a beginning.
I will not charge at 18% again. St Paul
instructs the believer to share the gospel
with others. To default means spiritual
bankruptcy.
Father, help me to control my material
desires so that I might fulfill my spiritual
debt to my neighbor.
Amen.
Render therefore to all their dues: tribute to whom tribute is due; custom to whom custom; fear to whom fear; honour to whom honour. Owe no man any thing, but to love one another: for he that loveth another hath fulfilled the law. Romans 13:7-8 KJV
