Pay Down Debt So You Can Give Consistently

Dad always demonstrated generosity. I can remember him putting checks into the offering plate at church starting from my earliest memory. 

My Dad was a consistent giver. We were raised knowing that honoring God with our money was a priority for our family. Many of you would love to give more but you’re constrained because of debt. The weight of it can feel so heavy that you’d give anything to have it off your chest! Short-term debt relief is not the answer! Of course, pay off consumer debt as fast as you can, but develop proper long-term habits. This is the key to avoiding debt in general – especially credit card debt and high-interest loans. 

If you’re in debt right now, set a goal to pay it off. The snowball method attacks the smallest debt first. The avalanche method begins with the highest interest loan first. Choose a plan then post your progress to keep motivated. Meanwhile, establish a budget, build an emergency savings fund, and start giving. Growing as a steward means that you adopt healthy financial habits in all areas. It begins with love and gratitude for all that God provides. Faithful stewards don’t see their lives, money, and possessions as their own. They acknowledge that everything they have belongs to God, and they manage it accordingly. They desire to handle money wisely while also furthering God’s Kingdom. Now don’t order your life so that you can spend money however you want. Order your life so that God can spend you however He wants. 

And if credit card debt limits what you’re able to give, I recommend Christian Credit Counselors. They’ll create a debt management plan that will work for you. For more information call the Crown Helpline at 800-722-1976 or visit online at crown.org/ccc.