Debt?

It appears the debt ceiling crisis has been averted - votes still must be taken. But most are not overjoyed with the situation. Some ask for a "Christian response" to the issue. That seems to me to be a difficult proposition.

It is not easy to put these sorts of secular issues in a "Christian," or religious, context.
For instance, Moses and the Law of the Old Covenant basically disallowed charging interest. There goes our current economic system. So unless we change everything it is practically impossible to develop a truly "Christian response" to the debt crisis.

Islam is even more stringent in condemning the charging of interest. So traditionally religious life has looked at economic concerns much differently than our current system.

Jesus never gave us a full message on debt and finances. He did say "Give back to Caesar what is Caesar's and to God what is God's." (Mark 12:17 TNIV)

That puts the conversation in a little different view. Jesus did not give us instructions on how to debate and manipulate the issue for our own personal gain or to fit our political ideologies. He put things in practical terms. So here are a couple of practical things we might prayerfull consider.

Remember God's compassion. The Bible continually reveals a compassionate God, especially toward the poor. We hear the call to care for those unable to care for themselves. Biblically this referred to "widows and orphans." In their culture these were noted for where they found themselves in the social setting and the scriptures admonished God's people to be very intentional about showing compassion toward them and caring for their needs. One question we could ask is "who are our widows and orphans" that we are called to show compassion for?

At the same time the Bible gives the following rule. "Anyone who is unwilling to work shall not eat." (2 Thessalonians 3:10.) From teachings like this have developed the "Protestant work ethic." To be consisent with this message we would esteem the diligent. So look for ways to maintain integrity for those at upper income levels and never forget those at lower levels.

A member of our church offers this philosophy. Work hard, live conservatively and give generously.

So ... care for those in need and appreciate the industrious.

Maintain integrity of the individual while working for the good of the whole.

Personally I do not think all debt must be avoided. We should leverage debt. Not everyone has everything! We need access to funds for things that are needed. But be wise. Debt should be a tool and not a master.

Bottom line for us -- Spend within your means.

Hopefully we will find ways to increase revenue - some say tax more - others create more wealth. Either way we seek to increase available resources. We also are watching how our leaders will work together to help bring spending in line with available resources.

It is a very complex matter. Join me in praying that our elected leaders find the way to provide what is needed to be a great nation.

I would further encourage you to identify your personal opinions and then seek to better understand other positions. It takes understanding and respect for one another to meet the challenges of complex issues.