by Bob Wilkin

My parents were young adults in the Depression. My oldest sister, Roberta, was born in 1938, near the end of the Depression.

My parents taught me an important principle: spend less money than you make.

While in seminary Sharon and I followed the financial teachings and budgeting advice of Larry Burkett. His teaching really helped us as a young married couple.

The only things which Sharon and I have ever taken out loans for have been houses and two cars. (We’ve bought used cars for years.)

Today, Dave Ramsey is similar to Larry Burkett. Ramsey helps people become debt free, often in just two or three years.

The Bible teaches that it is wise not be a debtor.

I have come to spend money a bit more freely over the years. But I still much enjoy spending money wisely. And often that means saying no to impulse buying.

I’ll be 65 in May. Sharon is a long way from 65; well, three years away. We are glad that we’ve lived under our means for a long time.

Ah, but do you really trust God if you lay up money for emergencies, for retirement, and so forth? I think so. I don’t think we need to be in debt in order to show that we trust Him. Rather, appropriate saving can be an expression of trusting God with what He has given, rather than using debt to get what He has not given.

Spending less than you take in is not easy in this age of cheap credit and heavy advertising. But if you can manage to do so, I believe you will enjoy the peace of mind that comes from not being in debt.

How we give, save, and spend are stewardship issues. When believers stand before the Judgment Seat of Christ, money will certainly be an aspect of our lives for which we are held accountable.