THE MADNESS OF CONSUMERISM AND LOANS
In these modern times, credit has become readily available, allowing people to acquire all kinds of objects, devices, cars, and houses instantly. The consumerism frenzy that prevails in our days, coupled with the proliferation of media, generates absurd needs in our feelings, such as having mobile devices worth over 1000 USD when others at a tenth of the price can do the same, or even companies selling cars in vending machines.
THE LOAN LEADS US TO ENSLAVEMENT
However, we see how the Word is very clear about borrowing.
“The rich rules over the poor, And the borrower is slave to the lender.” Proverbs 22:7
Some do not understand this verse and think that in these times there is no slavery, but they are mistaken. Let’s see it with some examples:
- If I buy a $1,000 phone and
my salary is the same amount, I need to work an entire month (that is, dedicate my time and effort) to earn that money solely and exclusively to pay for that item. Even if it’s paid in installments, I’m deceived by paying a month of my salary..
- If I have a salary of $2,000 USD and I buy a house for $250,000 USD with a monthly installment of $1,000 USD for 30 years, I will have to work and dedicate half of my working life solely and exclusively to pay that installment. Wouldn’t it be wiser to have bought a $75,000 USD apartment and have an installment of $350 USD instead of such a big house?
- I don’t even want to think if the asset we buy is a car, or sports equipment, or another extravagance because it’s definitely throwing money away due to the loss of value of the acquired asset.
For this reason, borrowing enslaves us and takes away the most valuable thing God has given us, which is our time and strength, which we can never recover. We cannot be people who are devoted to consumerism, vanity, and the pleasures of this world. A foolish person squanders all their money and wastes it, and when it runs out, they borrow with credit cards and loans, continuing their career of consumerism. However, the wise person does just the opposite.
“There is desirable treasure, and oil in the dwelling of the wise, but a foolish man squanders it.” Proverbs 21:20
However, carefully reading the Word of God, the Lord tells us that we will be so blessed that we will lend to other people and not borrow.
“ if only you fully obey the Lord your God and are careful to follow all these commands I am giving you today. 6 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.” Deuteronomy 15:5-6
The same is indicated to us in Deuteronomy chapter 28.
“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.” Deuteronomy 28:12
THE DANGER OF RUIN
The Word insists on the same thing over and over again:
“Do not be one of those who shakes hands in a pledge, one of those who is surety for debts; if you lack the means to pay, your very bed will be snatched from under you?” Proverbs 22:26-27
God is warning us about the danger of debts. It doesn’t mean that we shouldn’t buy anything on credit, but it is very important to know how dangerous credit can be, to carefully consider what we are doing, and to use credit only for necessary things with a high probability of repayment.
When a person is reckless, they not only take out loans recklessly but also act as guarantors for others or family members. The Word tells us not to do this, that such a person lacks understanding, and they will come to ruin.
“One who has no sense shakes hands in pledge and puts up security for a neighbor.” Proverbs 17:18
“He who loves transgression loves strife, and he who exalts his gate seeks destruction.” Proverbs 17:18-19
“Whoever puts up security for a stranger will surely suffer, but whoever refuses to shake hands in pledge is safe.” Proverbs 11:15
WE MUST PAY AND NOT BE SQUATTERS
As a final lesson from this study, a child of God must repay what he has borrowed. It should never cross our minds to borrow without intending to pay, to squat or invade, to seize others’ private property.
“Let no debt remain outstanding, except the continuing debt to love one another, for whoever loves others has fulfilled the law..” Romans 13:8
“The wicked borrows and does not repay, but the righteous give generously.” Psalm 37:21
CONCLUSION
Conduct a self-examination test and think about how your path is. If you want to change your life, we invite you to receive God in your heart, as only Jesus Christ can make you a new person. Visit our page KNOW CHRIST.
