Debt or Fellowship?

Q: If a person is considering taking on another job (part time) to pay down some debt, but at the cost of giving up time in fellowship (example: The men`s ministry), what does the bible say for me to do?

A: You won't find an exact verse that will say exactly what to do in your situation. However, the Bible does say that "The rich rule over the poor, and the borrower is servant to the lender (Proverbs 22:7)." Just think how being in debt makes you feel. There is always that worry about if you will be able to pay the debt off. What if I lose my job? What if I experience a reduction in pay? What if I get sick or injured and can't work? What will I do if an unexpected expense arises? These and many more concerns arise when we are in debt. Then add to that all the problems that arise when we begin to fall behind on payments of our debts. The threat of having our property repossessed or foreclosed on. The harassing phone calls. The damage to our credit and our reputation. The strain that is put on our family as they begin to see the things you work so hard for begin to unravel. You are totally under the control of the lender because of the debt you owe them.

Furthermore, just think of the possible temptations you will be subject to as you try and pay off your debt. "Some people, eager for money, have wandered from the faith and pierced themselves with many griefs (1Timothy 6:10)." When you are falling behind in paying your bills temptations to do things in order to find a quick fix to your dilemma start popping up. Perhaps you are tempted to start gambling or playing the lottery. All of a sudden the allure of some of the "get-rich-quick" business opportunities becomes harder to ignore. And, heaven forbid, the temptation to do something illegal to make money seems like the only option. Now, I know I have painted a gloomy scenario that you are probably nowhere near experiencing. I just wanted to reveal to you how ignoring your debts can snowball. My advice is for you to take the part time job and pay off your debt. Granted your time in fellowship with fellow Christians may suffer, but think of how much more time you will have for fellowship when your debt is reduced significantly or paid in full!

From a spiritual context think about what Jesus said when He died on the cross to pay for your sins. "When Jesus had tasted it, he said, “It is finished!” Then he bowed his head and released his spirit (John 19:30)." The words He spoke can also be translated "paid in full." The debt you owed God for your sins is death. How does it make you feel to know that your debt to God has been paid in full? If you're like me your are totally relieved and thankful. The debt you owe your creditors most likely doesn't require your death, but not being able to pay your debts can sure make you feel like dying. Take the job and trust that those you spend time with in fellowship will understand. If they are your friends they not only should understand your circumstances, but they might be able to assist in some way to pay your debts. The Bible tells believers to "strengthen your brothers (Luke 22:32)," to "spur one another on toward love and good deeds (Hebrews 10:24)" and to keep "on loving each other as brothers (Hebrews 13:1)." They should understand your situation and support you as much as they can.

Finally, the Bible says that a man "must be one who manages his own household well (1 Timothy 3:4) and "must have a good reputation with those outside the church (1 Timothy 3:7)." While these are instructions given for those desiring to be deacons, I believe they can be applied to husbands in general. If your household falls pray to the consequences of unpaid debt it will not reflect well on you as someone who is managing their household well. And needless to say your reputation with those outside the church, your creditors, will not be good. By working that part time job and paying off your debt you are doing what God requires of you to do. You are taking care of your family as well as protecting the reputation of you and them. The peace of mind, increased income and time you will obtain from cancelling a debt will allow you to devote more of your time, treasure and talent to the things of the Lord. And no doubt you will have fresh and relevant examples of God's faithfulness and love in the midst of you dealing with your debt. I hope this helps you in your decision. Be blessed.