National Debts Deception… “If only you fully obey the LORD your God and are careful to follow all these commands I am giving you today. For the LORD your God will bless you as he has promised, and you will lend to many nations but will borrow from none. You will rule over many nations but none will rule over you. If there is a poor man among your brothers in any of the towns of the land that the LORD your God is giving you, do not be hardhearted or tightfisted toward your poor brother.” Deuteronomy 15:5-7
Similar to personal debt, nations can become enslaved to countries that do not care about righteous rules and a Christian culture. In fact, their frame of reference may very well be a Godless government. Do we want to answer to atheists known for religious intolerance and who initiate inhumane activity against their own citizen’s? If they treat their own unjustly and brutally, how will they treat their debtors opposed to their practices?
Wisdom and common sense cries out for a cessation of a cavalier attitude that presumes on our country’s future. God fearing people cannot sit in silence as our country builds a house of credit cards. Economists may sign off on detrimental debt, but what does God think? Do we want to be ruled by unsympathetic nations and lose our incredible influence for goodness, decency and generosity? Debt stunts our lending and giving to the poor.
Therefore, let’s start by living within our own means and lowering our lifestyles. As we model the way personally, then we have the moral authority to vote in fiscally responsible men and women who will lead us into a world that looks to free nations for hope and help. Moreover, the Lord is looking for nations He can trust, so that He can bless them with bountiful provisions that are shared with the poor and needy at home and abroad.
Am I a good example of debt restraint living? Am I free to give and loan to others liberally? “You will lend to many nations but will borrow from none. The LORD will make you the head, not the tail. If you pay attention to the commands of the LORD your God that I give you this day and carefully follow them, you will always be at the top, never at the bottom” (Deuteronomy 12b-13).
Related Readings: Leviticus 26:3-14; 1 Kings 4:21-24; Luke 6:35; 1 John 3:16-17
Transformational Living
What did I learn from the Lord in today’s Bible reading?
How will I respond?
