Financial Peace, Lesson 1: "How to Get Out of Debt"
It is important for a Christian to be able to recognize financial bondage, but it is equally important to know how to achieve freedom. Financial freedom manifests itself in every aspect of the Christian's life - relief from worry and tension about overdue bills, a clear conscience before God and before other men, and the absolute assurance that God is in control of his finances. This is not to say that a Christian's life will be totally void of any difficulties in the area of finances. No matter what circumstances are encountered, God promises peace. When God manages our finances, we have nothing to worry about. He is the master of the universe. It is His wisdom that we are seeking. We're still human beings and subject to making a mistake at any moment, for even when we understand God's principles, it is possible to step out of His will, as we all do from time to time.
But as soon as we admit the error and let God take control again, we are back under His guidance. Once a Christian truly accepts and experiences financial freedom, there will never be a desire to stay outside of God's will. Perfect peace is what is promised and perfect peace is what God delivers. In our society, there are some who have found financial freedom, but I have never met a non-Christian who had true freedom from worry, anxiety, tension, harassment, or bitterness about money. Once someone experiences and lives financial freedom (meaning freedom from the bondage of debts, freedom from oppression of others, freedom from envy and covetousness or greed and freedom from resentfulness), that person stands out like a beacon at sea.
Step 1: Transfer ownership
A Christian must transfer ownership of every possession to God. This means money, time, family, material possessions, education, even earning potential for the future. This is essential to experience the Spirit-filled life in the area of finances (Psalms 8:6). A Christian must realize that there is absolutely no substitute for this step. If you believe that you are the owner of even a single possession, then the events affecting that possession are going to affect your attitude. God will not force His will on us. He will not put His perfect will into our lives unless we first surrender our will to Him.
If, however, we make a total transfer of everything to God, He will demonstrate His ability. It is important to understand and accept God's conditions for His control (Deuteronomy 5:32,33). God will keep His promise to provide every need we have through physical, material, and spiritual means, according to His perfect plan. It is simple to say, "I make total transfer of everything to God," but not so simple to do. At first, anyone will experience some difficulty in consistently seeking God's will in the area of material things because we are so accustomed to self-management and control. But financial freedom comes from knowing God is in control. What a great relief it is to turn our burdens over to Him.
Then, if something happens to the car, you can say, "Father, I gave this car to You; I've maintained it to the best of my ability, but I don't own it. It belongs to You, so do with it whatever You would like." Then look for the blessing that God has in store as a result of this attitude.
