Should I Give or Get Out of Debt?

Got debt? Can’t give? Think again!

I’ve been a church-going Christian for most of my life, but in 1999, I was only giving 2.6% of my total income – the national average in America.

Through the conviction of Scripture, a Crown Bible study, and the encouragement of my wife, God changed my heart and I now know the truth that: it IS more blessed to give than to receive. (Acts 20:35)

The “tithe” is the voluntary gift of 10% or more of your total income. Though difficult to gather accurate information, somewhere around 10-12% of all Christians actually tithe. While this number is double the general population, it remains woefully low.

It’s not a legal requirement to please God, but giving is an act of worship, a tangible way to express our love to God. He wants to use us as pipelines for His grace to flow in wise management of the resources He’s provided.

But, when you have obligations to pay, giving can be difficult.

Remember the story of the widow and her offering of 2 small copper coins In Mark 12?

She gave all she had believing God would meet her needs. Those two coins – small to the world but large to her – demonstrated her complete dependence on the One who loved her.

Today, many neglect to set aside a portion of their earnings for God first. They give what’s left over after needs and desires have been met. I know – I did.

Debts have to be paid, but you can cut spending elsewhere to give something to the Lord. And, I’m not talking about reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.

You may not be able to give 10% immediately but you can give something while continuing to pay down your debts.

If credit card debt is preventing you from giving generously, get in touch with Christian Credit Counselors. They can help you establish a debt payoff plan and consolidate your payments. Learn more by calling 800-722-1976 or online at crown.org/ccc.