2 Aug, 2011
Forever In Debt
(Image courtesy of Google Images)
Let's talk about debt. I know, I know, I've had it up to here (motions hand above head) with the word, too, but we can't just ignore it because, well, it won't just go away. We've grown up around it and it's become a part of our every day life, especially lately. Debt crisis, debt ceiling, debt default (I feel a little like Forest Gump as he described Bubba Gump Shrimp: boiled shrimp, BBQ shrimp, coconut shrimp . . . ); how many ways can we serve up debt?? Well, since we can't just "forgedaboudit" (insert thick New York accent), let's at least, for the time being, talk about debt in relation to something other than our nation's current crisis.
Romans 13:8
Let no debt remain outstanding, except the continuing debt to love on another, for he who loves his fellowman has fulfilled the law.
According to Wikipedia, "a debt is that which one party, the debtor, owes to a second party, the creditor; usually this refers to assets owed, but the term can also be used metaphorically to cover moral obligations and other interactions not based on economic value." There's no mistaking it, for God's Word is very clear on the issue of debt and being indebted to others: we are to have no debt in our lives, except the debt of loving others. How different would our country, our lives, and the lives of others be if we actually lived this out?! The only way we will ever keep from becoming slaves to someone else is by becoming slaves to Christ, slaves to Love. If you have accepted what Christ has credited you (forgivness through his blood) then you are and always will be indebted to him; it's a debt you will never be able to pay off.
How can I connect today's story and God's Story scripture to my life?
Ask yourself how you tend to view debt. Is it something you're okay living with? Do you approach debt like the rest of our country, thinking it's okay to just keep borrowing, knowing you'll probably never be able to repay the lender. Or perhaps you feel okay about your debt because you're at least paying the minimum fee (even though you might be able to give more, if you really sacrificed some things). How does this translate when you think about your debt of love to Christ? Are you only making minimum "payments" or are you loving others, sacrificially? Do you fully recognize just how much you've been credited and how much in debt you truly are, because of the blood of Christ? What can you do differently to show Jesus how much you appreciate all he has given you, and what are some ways you can love others better?
How can I connect today's story, God's Story scripture, and my story to others?
Luke 6:32 says, "If you love those who love you, what credit is that to you? For even sinners love those who love them." God is calling us to love all men, not just our family and Christian friends. He commands us to love all. Who has God placed in your life, for such a time as this? To whom is He calling you to love and show love? As the issue of debt arises in your conversations with others this week (as it's bound to do!), share today's scripture with them and talk about what it would be like if none of us had any debt, except (because of Christ) the debt to love. Finally, don't just talk about love, and don't do the bare minimum, find ways to actually show love (sacrifically - that means even when it's hard, or when it might hurt) to those in your life this week, and every week!
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