Consider Your
Lifestyle and
Contentment
C
by WALLACE J. SIBLEY
CONSIDER THESE statistics about credit a debt on a credit card that would take 30 dishonest with much. So if you have not
card debt in our society: years to pay off? Why would anyone been trustworthy in handling worldly
• Approximately 58 percent of the fami- want to put additional stress on the fami- wealth, who will trust you with true rich-
lies in America carry a balance on ly by putting their family into bondage es? And if you have not been trustworthy
their credit cards. The average credit with debt? Yet many people do just that. with someone else’s property, who will
card debt per family in America is Paul wrote: “I know what it is to be in give you property of your own?” (Luke
$8,000. need, and I know what it is to have plen- 16:10-12, NIV).
• Average credit card debt among ty. I have learned the secret of being con- Scripture also says: “But godliness
indebted young adults increased by 55 tent in any and every situation, whether with contentment is great gain. For we
percent between 1992 and 2001 to well fed or hungry, whether living in brought nothing into the world, and we
$4,088. Nearly one in five 18-to-24- plenty or in want. I can do everything can take nothing out of it. But if we have
year-olds is in “debt hardship,” up through him who gives me strength” food and clothing, we will be content
from 12 percent in 1989. (Philippians 4:12, NIV). with that” (1 Timothy 6:6-8, NIV).
• More people will go bankrupt this Notice that Paul does not say he was Second, express appreciation for
year in the United States than will born content; he says he learned to be things you usually take for granted. Look
graduate from colleges and universi- content, and he says it is a “secret.” It around and consider how blessed you
ties. certainly must be a secret because content- are. The psalmist wrote, “Praise be to the
• One in six families with credit cards ment is at odds with the problem of Lord, to God our Savior, who daily bears
pays only the minimum due every instant gratification, which we have seen our burdens” (68:19, NIV). And Paul
month. in our society for many years. Paul shares admonished, “Be joyful always. . . . The
• About 15 percent of those who have with us the “secret” to being content in grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with
credit cards have total card balances verse 13: “I can do all things through you” (1 Thessalonians 5:16, 28, NIV).
in excess of $10,000. Christ who strengthens me” (NKJV). He It is important to appreciate and be
• A $7,000 balance on a credit card at found that by trusting in God, he could thankful for what we have and not con-
18 percent interest will take 30 years be content in every situation. Lord, let us centrate on what we don’t have. We need
to pay off if only the minimum pay- learn to trust in that way! to do more to celebrate God’s goodness
ment is paid each month. In addition to trusting in God, here to us and what we have and take our
• The number one reason for marital are two suggestions for contentment. focus off wanting more. Most people are
problems is debt. First, consider being satisfied with not even aware of God’s goodness. We
• The average interest on a credit card what you have and in taking care of pos- can have contentment knowing we are
in America is 13 percent, while many sessions entrusted to you. Beyond being relying on the perfect character of God,
cards have an interest rate of 18 per- satisfied, consider seeing pleasure in what who is wise in His provision.
cent or more. God has given you. Scripture says: “Who- The average wage of workers through-
Why would anyone have credit card ever can be trusted with very little can out the world is only a few dollars per
debt and pay an interest rate averaging 13 also be trusted with much, and whoever day. If you have a car and live under a
percent or more? Why would anyone put is dishonest with very little will also be roof (whether you own it or rent it), you
12 EVANGEL • MAR 2009
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