Day 20 | 21-Day Growth Challenge | "Dealing with Children, Debt and Generosity"
SELECTED SCRIPTURES & INSIGHTS FROM PROVERBS 22:
Proverbs 22:4 True humility and fear of the Lord lead to riches, honor, and long life.
Being humble and walking in the fear of the Lord does not make you weak or disengaged from the "real world." Humility brings blessing from the Lord. He can trust humble people to handle blessings properly and keep all things in perspective.
Proverbs 22:6 Direct your children onto the right path, and when they are older, they will not leave it.
Every child gets trained. The question is: Who is training your children? Be diligent to know what your children are learning and what examples are being modeled before them. Our children attended Christian school, but my wife and I had to work to instill in them our own family, cultural and biblical values. The "right path" is not the same for every family or every person.
Proverbs 22:7 Just as the rich rule the poor, so the borrower is servant to the lender.
Recently, I was reminded of the control that the rich exercise over the poor. It looks like the only things that the urban "poor" (comparatively speaking) are allowed to "rule" are their barber shops, beauty salons and churches. (Of course, I'm being a little cynical!)
When people are saddled with consumer debt, they are not free. This year, a law was enacted that required lenders to show on credit billing statements the time required to pay off a debt, if making minimum payments. This is a true picture of borrowers serving lenders!
Proverbs 22:9 Blessed are those who are generous, because they feed the poor.
This is another reference to the virtue of blessing poor people. Clearly, this is part of God's plan for our lives.
Proverbs 22:26-27 Don’t agree to guarantee another person’s debt or put up security for someone else. If you can’t pay it, even your bed will be snatched from under you.
This is a warning regarding the perils of "co-signing" on debt for another person. Note the words, "If YOU can't pay it…" (Not if THEY can't pay it…) This is certainly not a prescription for "prosperity God's way!"
_________________________________________
PRAYER:"Lord, I thank You for guidance in raising children, dealing with debt and how to become more generous. Show me how and when to say 'No' or Yes' to requests. In Jesus' Name, Amen!"
ACTIVATION:
(Use comment section below to share your insights. Record sensitive items in your personal journal. You can login or simply use your first name.)
- What 2-3 key points stand out to you in this lesson?
- What actions will you take today related to this lesson?
COMMENT SECTION:
Click on "Comments" to read others and add yours afterwards.
