Don’t let possessions consume, possess you

Tribune Content Agency

Q: I know you’re not a financial adviser, but in your experience how much debt is too much?

My wife and I both have good jobs and an excellent credit rating, but I’m beginning to wonder if maybe we’ve taken on too much debt. — R.L.

A: You’re right; I’m not a financial advisor — although I’ve been greatly helped in my ministry by men and women who were highly skilled in financial matters.

Perhaps God will lead you to someone like this who can advise you. The Bible says, “Plans fail for lack of counsel” (Proverbs 15:22).

At the same time, the Bible wisely warns us against taking on too much debt. In ancient Israel, in fact, all outstanding debts were to be canceled every seven years, in order to keep people from accumulating too much indebtedness (see Deuteronomy 15:12). The Bible warns, “The borrower is slave to the lender” (Proverbs 22:7).

The real issue, however, is this: what place do things have in your life? Have your possessions become so important to you that they now possess you, rather than you possessing them? Are you more concerned about impressing others than living wisely?

Don’t wait for a crisis; now is the time to reorder your lives.

Begin by turning to Jesus Christ and committing your lives and your possessions to him. Then take practical steps to cut back on your spending and repay your debts as quickly as possible. Send your queries to “My Answer,” c/o Billy Graham, Billy Graham Evangelistic Association, 1 Billy Graham Parkway, Charlotte, N.C., 28201; call 1-(877) 2-GRAHAM, or visit billygraham.org.