All over the Earth, there are legions of wicked forces that are working in tandem to subjugate us to the bondage of slavery. For centuries, demonic principalities (e.g., chattel slavery, human trafficking, financial debt, and condemnation) have all tried to establish lordship over humanity. Even today, there are several ubiquitous strongholds that are attempting to condemn us to involuntary servitude. Thankfully, there is deliverance in Christ Jesus, who died on Calvary to set us free. He can provide freedom from all principalities, including freedom from financial slavery.
The Love of Money is the Root of All Evil
Although the Bible says who the Son has set free is truly free indeed (John 8:36), the enemy is crafty, and there are many tactics that he uses to entrap and enslave men. One of the great snares is money. Before we continue, we must dispel the misguided belief that wealth and prosperity are irreverent. They are not. In fact, that belief is not congruent with Scripture and is often rooted in misguided sanctimony. For clarity, the honest possession and accumulation of wealth are not sinful. It’s the love of money that’s the problem (1 Timothy 6:10).
So why is the love of money so bad? Ultimately, the love of money creates the atmosphere for idolatry, and God will not allow us to place anything or anyone ahead of Him. However, Christ understood that in this world’s system, we need, and in some cases, require money. Christ illustrated that best when he produced a coin from the belly of the fish when asked to pay taxes. This miracle demonstrated two things:
1. Even Jesus, who is both man and God, honored the laws of the land.
2. God will make a way where there seems to be no way.
The Borrower is Slave to the Lender
In today’s fallen world, there are those (e.g., individuals, entities, corporations, etc.) who use money to keep people in bondage. Specifically, they use debt as a form of enslavement to make individuals beholden to them. Proverbs 22:7 explains this principle: “The rich rule over the poor, and the borrower is slave to the lender.”
Becoming a Slave to Debt
As I sat today to pay my student loan, I thought to myself, “Wow, this world’s system was created to make us perpetual slaves.” The truth is, many will argue that no one told me to go to school, and no one forced me to acquire debt to pay for my education. However, the system is designed such that there is a cost for advancement, one that neither my family nor I could independently afford, even though a great portion of my education was funded by academic scholarships. Like many, I knew that in order to advance the visions that God placed on my heart, I would have to assume some liability—take risks, including possible debt.
Unfortunately, one of the greatest problems with the assumption of debt is that it tends to create a stronghold in our lives. If we are not careful, instead of enjoying life and making an impact on our world, we could find ourselves just existing and merely trying to lift our heads above water. In fact, many of us who carry debt have already become slaves to the lender. Instead of spending time with family and friends and developing our purpose, we have become embroiled in the monotony of debt repayment.
Usury is a Threat to Freedom from Financial Slavery
When it comes to discussions about debt, there is another compounding factor: usury. In Biblical times, the term usury meant the application of interest to a loan. Today, usury has been redefined as exorbitant interest. While it is often impossible to establish a zero-interest structure due to the cost of inflation, processing fees, and risk management setoffs often associated with loans, many customary practices of usury in our society are designed with a proclivity to create and maintain a distinction between the haves and the have-nots.
The Dangers of Financial Slavery
Financial slavery is not a victimless crime. It impacts all of us. In fact, just think about how many financial slaves have conceived great ideas only to have those visions stillborn, or worse yet, stolen and nurtured by others with the financial wherewithal. Unfortunately, when financial slaves fail, society as a whole is impacted, as those aborted dreams could have been the answers to our problems, individually or collectively.
In the world’s system, debt is inevitable. Many of us use debt as a launching pad since we do not have the required capital to attend college, start businesses, or pursue other ventures. Fortunately, when we borrow loans, we do not have to remain indebted indefinitely. When we trust in Christ, he can deliver us from our liabilities. This is where prayer comes in. Though it might seem weird, sometimes our prayers might require unorthodox actions, like praying over our stacks of bills. Furthermore, in addition to prayer, we should ask God to help us develop positive financial stewardship over our money and resources.
While it is important that we trust and believe God to meet and exceed our needs, we also have to do our part, which might require us to take the first step. Such examples include setting up a budget or developing an action plan to get out of debt.
Take Action to Gain Freedom from Financial Slavery
Today, I want to issue a financial challenge. Over the next 30 days, incorporate a financial plan and budget to gain freedom from financial slavery. Write down where you see yourself financially at the end of 30 days, 1 year, 5 years, 15 years, and possibly 30 years. Pray over the 30-day course that God will give you favor, wisdom, and abundance. Also, pray Deuteronomy 28:12–14 over your life:
The LORD will open the heavens, the storehouse of his bounty, to send rain on your land in season and to bless all the work of your hands. 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. Do not turn aside from any of the commands I give you today, to the right or to the left, following other gods and serving them (NIV).
The next steps in developing freedom from financial slavery might require seeking professional assistance. Start with your church. Many church leaders have community relationships, and they can point you in the right direction. If you do not have a church, you can visit your local credit union or bank and ask whether they have or know of any available programs. However, when choosing a program, be sure to do your research. Verify the company’s credibility and track record. Additionally, you can search the Internet for debt consolidation and relief programs. Recently, USA Today published a great article on the best 2023 debt relief companies. Again, don’t forget to vet any company or person before you work with them.
Final Remarks
Initially, the promises God made in Deuteronomy were intended for the Israelites. But through his mercy and grace, he extended them to believers in the Body of Christ. Therefore, we too can pray the verses in Deuteronomy 28 over our circumstances. More specifically, we can pray that God will make us the head and not the tail; above and not beneath; and a lender and not a borrower, in Jesus’ name. Amen!
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