Tag Archives: Daily living

Moving On

Church Bulletin, Daily living

Life is changing, moving and rushing onward. No matter how badly we wish to slow it down time just keeps moving. Sometimes we get stuck. Life moves on, but we are caught in a relationship or an event that seems to hold us back. How many hours will we squander on a lost cause? Christians are more susceptible than others to being caught in a time trap. We refuse to give up. We will spend large chunks of our life on a person or a cause that simply will not improve. How can we move on? Is there any word from Scripture? Is there a time to surrender and move on with our lives?

Jesus moved on. In Luke 4:14 ff, Jesus returned to his hometown of Nazareth and went into the synagogue to worship. His selection of Scripture and his comments enraged the people so that Jesus left Nazareth. In Matthew 11:21-24, Jesus denounced the cities of Chorazin and Bethsaida because they refused to believe on him even though he had done mighty works among the people. In Matthew 13:57, our Lord returns again to Nazareth and finds little has changed. He rebukes them, saying: “A prophet is not without honor, except in his hometown and in his own household.” Jesus famously told his disciples that there is a time to “shake off the dust from your feet” and move on (Matthew 10:14; Mark 6:11; Luke 9:5). Sometimes you must move on.

Paul moved on. He certainly heeded the words of Jesus when he turned from preaching to the Jews and began to preach to the Gentiles (Acts 18:6). The Jews had continued to oppose him. Paul was done. He moved on.

God moves on. In Romans 1:24, 26 and 28, the Bible says God gave sinners up to their own wicked conduct and the consequences of their sin. In the days of Noah, God was so sorrowed at the depth of sin that he destroyed the world and all in it except Noah’s family (Genesis 6:6).

There is a time to move on. But God is all-knowing and all-wise. He knows clearly when to move on. What about us? We are not divine and we will err but we can still learn from observing some things by observing these turning points in the Bible.

You only move on once you have done your best. Every one of us is limited by our own set of talents and abilities. Once we have truly done our best, there is simply nothing left. It is best to move ahead and perhaps allow another to step in. When sharing the Gospel we often feel frustrated because we fail to convince a man of his sin or of the plan of salvation. But remember, we plant seed or we water, but it is God who gives the result (1 Corinthians 3:6).

You only move on when the other person has done their worst. How many times have you reached out to another in kindness but have been met with harsh, even hateful words? It is sad, but some people just don’t want your help. Even though their life could improve, they resist aid. It is not clear why they are so resistant. Maybe it’s pride or arrogance, or fear. But we cannot force our love and assistance on anyone. God forces no man to be saved; he forces his love on none.

You only move on when you have no other choice. It is hard to understand that some people are so resistant to our efforts. But what if Jesus never left Nazareth? What if Paul never went to the Gentiles? Sometimes we are forced to move ahead, else we will be consumed and we will fail to reach others who both need and desire our help.

When the time comes to move on, do two things. First, freely forgive. They may never ask for your forgiveness but you must still forgive them anyway. Second, keep praying for them. No matter how angry or nasty a person becomes they can never prevent you from forgiving and praying for them. While life is within them they may one day change. One day, the warming love of the Savior may break through their calloused heart. We move on, but we do not forget them.

Bryant Evans may be reached at bryant at bryantevans.com. You can follow Bryant on Twitter @jbevans.

No Fear

Church Bulletin, Daily living,

fearLife is a scary place. Unlike television shows which portray trouble real life is trouble. You cannot switch it off or change the channel.

Life happens.

Sometimes we try to deal with life issues by pretending they are not there. Denial. Maybe we put it off. Ignore it and hope that it will go away. Fred Sanford once said, “Never do today what you can do tomorrow.” Procrastination. The truth is, life will neither be ignored nor wait. It demands attention – now.

Some medicate or even self-medicate to escape the pressures of life. Prescription drugs may ease the anxiety or depression but they do not remove the catalyst. Alcohol may help us forget the problems but tomorrow morning the challenges remain.

Life scares me.

People can be narcissistic, that is, self-centered and concerned only with their own appearance, reputation and glory. They hurt others as they seek self-glory. They leave a trail of broken and damaged people in their wake.

The business world has elevated corporate over personal and often demands so much of an individual that harm befalls the employee and the employee’s family. Rising debt, excessive taxes and pressure to measure up to a materialistic world only adds to our fear.

We have yet to even mention health issues. If you watch television you know that you now have every horrible illness known to man. The pharmaceutical companies want you to know that you are terribly sick but they have just the cure. And in case the pills don’t work there is always a lawyer ready to sue somebody.

Life is a scary place and there is plenty of fear to go around but is that the best we can expect from life? I don’t think so.

Jesus told his disciples that he came to give us abundant life (John 10:10). He often told his followers not to fear (Matthew 10:31; Luke 12:7, 32; Revelation 1:17). In John 17:15 our Lord prayed that his people would be kept from “the evil one.” In the Old Testament God promised Joshua, “I will never leave you nor forsake you” (Joshua 1:5). In Job, the careful, guarding hand of God ensures Job will not be overwhelmed by the accusing Satan (Job 1:12; 2:6). Then there is this wonderful promise in 1 Corinthians 10:13, “[God]…will not let you be tempted beyond your ability, but with the temptation he will also provide the way of escape that you may be able to endure it.”

I also like to think of Jesus’ own words: “Are not two sparrows sold for a penny? And not one of them will fall to the ground apart from your Father.  But even the hairs of your head are all numbered. Fear not, therefore; you are of more value than many sparrows” (Matthew 10:29-31). Don’t rush through that passage. He says that if God cares so much about a bird, just think how much he cares about you! If God takes notice of that bird that flies into the glass doors at the church, don’t you think he notices when life causes you to trip and stumble?

My point in all of this is that life is scary but we do not face it alone. The one who created life in the first place leads us through the trials and intricacies of daily affairs. We are not alone! Didn’t the psalmist speak well when he said,

 

“Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death,

I will fear no evil,

for you are with me;

your rod and your staff,

they comfort me.”

(Psalm 23:4)

 Praise God for his love, attention, guidance and companionship!

 

Day by Day

Bible General, Church Bulletin, Daily living, Jesus, ,

Braun_ABW41_(schwarz)Christianity is a way of life. Our faith is daily. It saturates every minute of every day. There is never a moment when a servant of Christ takes a vacation from the Lord’s work. We belong to Christ always. The original Christians constantly and consistently lived for Jesus. Their dedication guides us into a life of joyous service.

“And day by day, attending the temple together and breaking bread in their homes, they received their food with glad and generous hearts,  praising God and having favor with all the people. And the Lord added to their number day by day those who were being saved” (Acts 2:46, 47).

Do we think of our faith only as an expression of worship given on Sunday and maybe again on Wednesday night? The life of the disciple is constant and knows no boundary.

“If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me” (Luke 9:23).

“If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross and follow me” (Matthew 16:24).

Both verses speak to everyday life. We do not deny ourselves only on the Lord’s Day, nor do we take up our cross only at 10 AM on Sunday. We serve him Christ daily. Both verses, from the mouth of Jesus himself, call for personal denial. That is, we daily reject our own desires while replacing them with the desire for Jesus. The pre-Christian man no longer exists. He has been replaced by one who displays Christ in every moment of life.

The words of the apostle Paul speak plainly:

“I have been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me. And the life I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me” (Galatians 2:20).

It is common to create compartments in our lives. There is one compartment for family and home, one for work, one for play and recreation and probably one for faith. An observer could easily watch and list the differences between each compartment. For example, the words of love and kindness we express for our family in a worship setting may be replaced by harsh and unforgiving words in the home. The ethics that we extol to our children and that we praise in Bible class are suddenly missing in our business life. The compartmentalization of life is catastrophic to our faith.

How rare it is to find a man who reflects his faith constantly and in every situation. More often, we adjust our faith to fit the moment. Our beliefs are conformed to the moment instead of the other way around (Romans 12:2).

A respected man in the church once began to sell items contrary to the faith in a retail store he owned. Another man, also very respected, served a company that manufactured godless products that destroyed homes. In both cases, the men defended their dissociative lives by arguing that their decisions were for work, not church. How sad.

Let us break down the walls that define our lives. Let the Holy Spirit who dwells in us (Romans 8:9; 1 Corinthians 3:16), Christ who dwells in us (Ephesians 3:17) and the Father who dwells in us (Ephesians 2:22) permeate our lives until we are saturated with his love and with his way of life. Leave no corner of your life sealed from him. Open not only your heart but your day to Jesus. As he fills your life at work, at home and at play, he will be glorified through you. Day by day, let us serve him!

Bryant Evans may be reached at bryant at bryantevans.com. You can follow Bryant on Twitter @jbevans.

Why America Struggles With Faith

Culture, Daily living, Sin, ,

I don’t think anyone would argue that America is becoming a more secular nation. Founding principles of faith and morality have slipped away. We have become more focused on the individual and individual rights rather than our place as a servants of Jesus Christ. One writer observes that many who practice immorality still stand behind the Bible and claim to honor and obey Jesus. While their practices seem to ignore clear Bible teachings, they use other Bible teachings to support their immoral positions.

One blogger, Collin Hanson, believes we have lost sight of the spiritual need for self-denial. In it’s place we seek self-fulfillment. I think Hanson has a point. Although his article is focused on homosexuality, the ideas and concepts are pertinent for our lives generally. Why do people have sex outside of marriage? Why do people persist in adultery? Why do people practice an LGBT lifestyle? Why do people sleep in on the Lord’s day instead of worshiping?

The answer is clear: Our perceived needs are more important than obedience to our Lord and Master.

Jesus said,

“Do not think that I have come to bring peace to the earth. I have not come to bring peace, but a sword.  For I have come to set a man against his father, and a daughter against her mother, and a daughter-in-law against her mother-in-law.  And a person’s enemies will be those of his own household.  Whoever loves father or mother more than me is not worthy of me, and whoever loves son or daughter more than me is not worthy of me.  And whoever does not take his cross and follow me is not worthy of me.  Whoever finds his life will lose it, and whoever loses his life for my sake will find it.” (Matthew 10:34-39)

And again,

“If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross and follow me.  For whoever would save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for my sake will find it.  For what will it profit a man if he gains the whole world and forfeits his soul? Or what shall a man give in return for his soul?  For the Son of Man is going to come with his angels in the glory of his Father, and then he will repay each person according to what he has done.” (Matthew 16:24-27)

Then there is the grand verse of Matthew 6:33:

“Seek first the kingdom of heaven and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.”

It should be clear that the Christian subjugates his own will to that of Jesus. He is first and foremost and we serve him. Happiness here is but fleeting. But beyond this life there is joy beyond compare. Let us focus upon Jesus and his will. Our lives will be better and the life to come unbelievable!

Bryant Evans may be reached at bryant at bryantevans.com. You can follow Bryant on Twitter  @jbevans.

Farewell 2012

Culture, Daily living, Encouragement, General, God, Jesus, Satan, Sin, , , , , ,

2012 change 2013We close the books on 2012 today. It’s over and I’m hoping for a better 2013. It has been a difficult year in so many ways. Hardly a month has passed without some horrifying event taking place which rattles us and makes stop to ask “why?” Let’s think about the big events of 2012 and see if we can find some answers:

  • 12 were slaughtered in Aurora, Colorado
  • 27 died at Sandy Hook Elementary in Newtown, Connecticut
  • 3 dead in a mall shooting in Oregon
  • 125 died in Hurricane Sandy and her aftermath
  • In fact, there were 16 mass shootings this year which, together, took 84 lives.
  • The great winter storm of 2012 claimed 6 lives
  • Lies, name calling and rancor marked our national political system
  • The economy still struggles and many are still without jobs.

I could go on and on and on some more but you get the point. This has been a tough year in many ways. 2013 holds promise for better times or at least that is what we tell ourselves. But the truth is that there will be bad things happening in 2013. We shouldn’t be surprised, Satan is the “ruler of this world” (John 12:31). Although the evil one is greatly restricted his influence is great and his arrogance unabated.

Truth teaches that we will suffer in this world at the hands of the evil people. By inspiration Paul said,

“Indeed, all who desire to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted, while evil people and impostors will go on from bad to worse, deceiving and being deceived” (1 Timothy 3:12, 13)

We are pilgrims (1 Peter 2:11) and just passing through this old world. As the song continues, “my treasures are laid up, somewhere beyond the blue.” Trouble comes but we are prepared.

What are we to do? If this world is bad and only going to get worse, what can we do? How to we survive? Paul answers immediately after his warning above:

” But as for you, continue in what you have learned and have firmly believed, knowing from whom you learned it and how from childhood you have been acquainted with the sacred writings, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus. All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness,  that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work” (1 Timothy 3:14-17).

There are three keys for continued life in this sinful world.

Continue and Do Not Give Up

Paul tells Timothy that he already knows and has been taught the truth. It came through the teaching of his mother and his grandmother and through his association with the “sacred writings.”  For Timothy, that would have been what we call the Old Testament. Timothy must not change because of the times. Instead he was to continue.

That’s good advice for us too. We know the sacred writings and we ought remain in them. We have firmly believed  and no matter what may happen in some place near or far we do not change. To surrender is beyond our comprehension.

Know the Book

Do you notice the very central place given to Scripture? We read of both sacred writings and Scripture. Both are the same and are first formed in the mind of God (1 Corinthians 2:11) and then given to man through the Holy Spirit (2 Peter 1:21).

The necessity of knowing the truth cannot be overstated. We must take it in (Psalm 119:11) and dwell upon it. I fear that most do not give adequate place in their lives to Bible reading. A horrible pestilence of biblical illiteracy has settled upon us. That ignorance allows and sustains false teaching which arises from the devil himself. If we are to stand against the troubles of this world, we must know the book.

Be Equipped

Any soldier knows that his equipment is vital to the success of his mission and even to his own survival. There is no difference with the disciple. We must equip ourselves for combat knowing that Satan will assault us at every turn (Ephesians 6:16, 1 Peter 5:8). There are many tools with which we must equip ourselves (Ephesians 6:10-18) but none so important as a knowledge of the truth of God’s word. Everything we know about God, about Jesus, about sin and salvation, comes from the word of God. We cannot live without it.

We make so many preparations in this life. We prepare for emergencies with insurance policies, we prepare for retirement with Roths and IRAs, we prepare for a high quality of life with gym memberships and well prepared meals. Do we also prepare for life and the spiritual troubles that are certain to come our way? We must be equipped.

We welcome 2013 with open arms and great hope. We seek more followers for the kingdom this year. We seek to spread the word further. But we know that troubles are on the horizon. Nevertheless we do not faint for out hope is in an unfailing Lord who gave us all!

 

Bryant Evans may be reached at bryant at bryantevans.com. You can follow Bryant on Twitter  @jbevans.

No Man Is An Island

Church Bulletin, Daily living,

John Donne, English poet, wrote that “No man is an island entire of itself.” The point being that we all are a part of one another and our actions impact others. How true! The things I do affects others today and well into the future. I am not isolated. I am not alone.

What likely seemed an isolated decision by Eve to take of the forbidden fruit was not isolated at all. Her single action, in a moment of time, had horrid consequences for all humanity. Every person born and all who will be born, are directly impacted by her sin. Her choice unleashed the influence of sin into the world such that Paul could declare that “all have sinned” (Romans 3:23). Indeed, no man is an island.

In the Old Testament, Achan thought he could secretly take the spoil of Israel’s defeated enemy. Surely no one would know, he reasoned. No one did know except God. Soon afterwards the Israelite army assaulted the small city of Ai. Israel was beaten back ad lost about 36 warriors. Why? Because of Achan’s supposedly secret sin (Joshua 7:1-26). No man is an island.

Today, someone will be found guilty of a crime and sentenced to jail. They lose their job and suddenly  their family, including children, are without support. The children are without guilt but still suffer the consequences of the adult’s action. No man is an island.

This lesson ought be driven home to every parent. Our conduct today will impact our children and grandchildren for generations to come. Children watch their parents. They learn to become adults by modeling our behaviors.

This principle can work to our benefit too. Good conduct and a godly life will also impact those around us. That seems to be the root of Jesus’ admonition to be “the salt of the earth” and to be “the light of the world” (Matthew 5:13-15). We do not live in seclusion. Our lives, when lived by God’s direction, benefits others.

Abraham was an aged, nomadic man. Yet his faith remains legendary and gave rise to an entire race of people through whom the Redeemer came. His life and faith influences people even today. No man is an island!

The best example is Jesus Christ. His short life and brief three year public ministry would suggest that he would have little impact upon the world stage. Such a suggestion would be a mistake. No one has ever had the influence upon the world of Jesus the Son of God. No man is an island.

View yourself as person of influence. See your own life as a ministry. Someone, years from now will be impacted by your life today. Will it be for good or ill? That decision is in your hands..

 


5 Tips to Improve Decision Making

Daily living, ,

Your place in life is the result of your decisions. There is no greater determinate of your life path than your own decisions. Even horrible external events cannot displace your choices as the greatest factors in your own success.

A choice made 20 years ago often continues to impact your life today. It is ironic that we are called upon to make many profound, life-changing decisions during immature stages of life. Before reaching adulthood we have already decided who we will marry and what career we will choose. Those big decisions are usually very sticky – they hang around for a very long time.

Past the profound decisions are millions of minor decisions we make daily. For example, the decision of which grocery store we will go to is rather small. Unless that decision places us in just the wrong place at just the wrong time and we are involved in a terribly auto accident.

We must not be paralyzed  by the decisions we make but we can give more thought to some of the big ones. Here are 5 suggestions.

Stop to Make Better Decisions

My father almost never made a big decision until after he slept on the idea. He found, and I learned, that a little time often changes our thought process for the better. Retailers understand that tempting a consumer to make quick decisions is good for business. That is why you find so many “junky” low value items crowded around the checkout lanes.

Online retailers know that the secret to conversions (that’s sales-speak for sales) is a fast process with minimal decisions for the customer. In many cases websites maintain your credit card information for an even faster sale. Why? Because they know  that time allows you to change your mind.

Most decisions that you and I make are not time critical. They can be made today, tomorrow or next week. Stop and think for better decisions.

Analyze to Make Better Decisions

The best choices are not always obvious. Use the time you gain from slowing down to carefully analyze your decision. One common technique is to simply list the pros and cons of a given decision on paper. It is important that you actually write down each positive and each negative. Then compare the two sets.

For example, if you are deciding whether to take a new job you might take a legal pad and list the positives. Maybe the positives include more money and greater chances for advancement. Those are certainly good. But then list the negatives which might include longer hours, a longer work commute and new schedule. When you look at the two lists you suddenly realize that the new job might not be the best idea. What is important is that you took the time to study your decision. Analyze to make better decisions.

Discuss to Make Better Decisions

There are two old sayings here worth considering:

Two heads are better than one,

A camel is a horse designed by a committee

While we need help making big decisions we need to be careful not to create committees to waste time and delay choices. But it is important to talk through important decisions with a truly disinterested third party. In other words, talk with someone who receives no benefit from your decision.

This is a Biblical principle too. Solomon wrote,

Where there is no guidance, a people falls,

but in an abundance of counselors there is safety. (Proverbs 11:14)

Use the wisdom of friends and associates to improve your choices. In pre-marital counseling we often ask prospective couples what their families and friends think about the upcoming marriage. A negative opinion may signal issues that need to be discussed.

 

Broaden Your View to Make Better Decisions

Sometimes we become so focused on a single option that we fail to consider other possibilities. It is a form of tunnel vision which excludes other possibilities. To use the job search analogy again we might become so focused on a job with Company A that we fail to consider similar possibilities at Company B.

Broadening our perspective is a deliberate act. Like much of the above such alternative thinking requires time and effort. Search for other possibilities knowing that there are usually many other options available to us.

Once, while planning for my first mission trip, I was told to have a plan a, plan b, plan c and plan d. By the time we boarded the plane we were already at plan d! Broaden your view to make better decisions.

Evaluate to Make Better Decisions

Experts call this the post-decision phase. It’s the time when we review and evaluate our prior decision.  We fine tune or decision. Some decisions are essentially irrevocable. Once you sign the note to buy a car you are stuck with it. But some decisions really lend themselves to review and adjustment.

What if you decide to study your Bible every evening at 8 PM? After a week you may find that decision doesn’t work. Maybe there are too many distractions. Instead you adjust your study time to 6 AM.

If you are dating someone and discover they have an abusive attitude and that they have a short temper. A re-evaluation of your decision to date them is in order. Make the change sooner rather than later and avoid much heartache.

One More

Added to all of the above is the essential need for prayer and Godly guidance. James says it so well:

If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given him.” (James 1:5)

God alone knows the future. When we ask according to his will we can depend upon his aide. Learning to listen to God and be guided by his truth takes a little practice sometimes. But with frequent prayer we can come to know him deeply and to learn his ways for our lives.

Remember, the decisions you make today will follow you for years. Make good choices!

On Modesty

Church Bulletin, Culture,

Summer is just around the corner. Warm days, beautiful skies and blooming flowers all point toward the changing of the seasons. It’s a marvelous time of year. I  know few people who don’t yearn for the coming of summer. But with the turning of the calendar pages comes a decrease in clothing. It’s wise to give some thought to modesty – for both genders – before we head out to enjoy God’s grand creation.

A dress code should be part of every person’s plan. How you present yourself in public speaks loudly about who you really are and who you represent. We are Christians, an ancient name adopted first by believers in Antioch (Acts 11:26). Those who wear the name self-identify as a believer in the Sonship of Jesus, as a learner of His teachings and a follower of his commands.

To wear the name must include a change of life away from the usual ways of the world. It is more than just a name – it is a way of life. First century Christians (and many since then) have given their lives for the way of life that is the Christian. They refused to change their allegiance to Christ even when facing horrible death. Consider the courage of Queen Vashti who refused to display her beauty in a vulgar way.

Now, we may not think it fair but it is true that people make judgments about us based upon what they see and not what we say.  We do it all the time. We say we are not interested in someone who “talks the talk” but instead we look for a person who “walks the walk.” How we conduct ourselves really does matter. How we dress really says something about us.

Have you ever wondered why salespeople in high-end clothing stores always dress nicely? They are sending you, the customer, a message about the importance of dressing well. Why do successful attorneys wear business attire in the courtroom? They want to be perceived as a professional. Book after book has been written about how to dress well. Dress for Success has been reprinted and updated year after year and remains a big seller. Why? Because the clothes we wear tell people who we are.

What message do you deliver on the weekend?

Now if you are expecting me to give specific details on the length of a hem or how long sleeves should be of the length of an inseam you will be disappointed. The Scriptures offer no such instruction.  Our faith is of the heart. It much more than following a bunch of rules. Instead our lives flow from our hearts which have been made pure by Jesus Christ and the cleansing rebirth we enjoyed at our baptism. So what standard should we use?

  1. Would I be embarrassed if Jesus physically stood before me while I am dressed in this way?
  2. Do my clothes invite others to stare or leer at me?
  3. Am I constantly fighting my clothes to keep from showing too much?
  4. Was I uncomfortable the first time I wore these clothes in public, or am I now uncomfortable?
  5. Do I make it more difficult for others to have a Christian mind when they are around me?

We live in near paradise here. The weather is beautiful and we are surrounded by water. Like the mighty mountain peaks the snow white beaches are a gift from God. The beach can be enjoyed if we give a little thought to where we go, when we go and what we wear. You are not your own. You belong to Christ so honor him in all you do!

“Or do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit within you whom you have from God? You are not your own, for you were bought with a price, therefore, glorify God in your bodies” (1 Corinthians 6:19, 20)

 

The Borrower is the Slave of the Lender

Culture, Daily living,

We wrote yesterday about the need to make good choices. I thought to complement  that article today by delving a little deeper into the financial choices we make, many of which aren’t very good. The wisdom of Solomon is clear:

The rich rules over the poor,
and the borrower is the slave of the lender. (Proverbs 22:7)

That verse is rather startling don’t you think? I mean, it is surprising just how wise it really is; how clearly it describes the relationship between the one who owes and the one who is owed. Think about it. As long as you are in debt to another you are subservient to them. Now, you can pretend otherwise but its clear that the lender controls the borrower.

  • A portion of your work profits belong to the borrower. You debt may be small as a percentage of your income but a portion must always go to the person who loans you money. You work is never entirely your own. We complain about how much money the government takes in taxes but we never stop to think about how much of every dollar goes out the door to pay our debt. Go ahead and figure it out. Divide your total monthly debt payment by your monthly income and see what you get. It may shock you.
  • The borrower defines how much you work. Because your monthly debt is largely a fixed amount, that is, it is not based on how much you work, you must work a certain amount every month just to keep up. If you do not, the debt falls behind and the telephone calls from debt collectors begins. How much more free time would you enjoy if you had less debt?
  • The borrower defines the quality of your life. because you have so much debt that must be paid, there is often little left for the fun things in life. Suddenly simple vacations are out of reach. Dinner out becomes impossible and a night for the family at the movies just cannot happen. Interestingly, debt is usually fixed but income taxes are not. So the more you work, the more the taxes. You still end up with more money but your labors give you less because of an increasing tax burden. So, you work more, see less and struggle. Debt directly affects your life.
  • The borrower is never far away. Those who lend are in the business of making money. The provide you with a product (money) which you must pay for. But fall behind a few days and the calls will begin. They will come in the morning, at lunch, at dinner, while you are tucking the children into bed and right up until the last legal minute. Some call it harassment while others just see it as a way to get paid but in any case the borrower’s breath is always on your neck.

The message is simple: Debt is bad. It is to be avoided at all costs. Solomon had it right. And I don’t think you want to be anyone’s slave!