The Spiritual Weight of Financial Bondage

Scripture doesn't mince words about debt. When Proverbs 22:7 (ESV) declares that "the borrower is slave to the lender," it's painting a vivid picture that would have resonated deeply with ancient readers who understood the reality of debt slavery. In those days, a person who couldn't repay their debts might literally become a servant to their creditor. While we don't have debtor's prisons today, the spiritual principle remains: debt constrains our freedom.

At its core, debt is stealing from our future to pay for the present. I remember being particularly fond of those 0% interest offers that credit card companies used to hand out when interest rates were much lower. I could get what I wanted now and pay nothing for the privilege — why wouldn't I take advantage? But during one particularly tight month, I found myself yelling in frustration while paying the bill: "I don't even remember what I bought!" Month after month, I was paying down a balance for something so insignificant it had already faded from memory. Yet the obligation still remained. It didn't take long after that moment for me to stop using those offers entirely.

Consider what else debt steals from us:

1. Freedom to follow God's calling. How many of us have felt prompted to serve, give generously, or step out in faith—only to realize their monthly obligations made it impossible? Debt anchors us to our present circumstances, limiting our ability to respond when God opens new doors.
2. Peace that surpasses all understanding. The statistics on financial anxiety paint a troubling picture. Nearly 70% of Americans report that financial uncertainty has made them feel depressed and anxious—up 8 percentage points from just two years ago. Meanwhile, 63% say money worries have kept them up at night. For younger generations, it is just as bad: more than half of Gen Z and Millennials report tossing and turning about finances at least monthly.
3. Margin for generosity. We are already called to be giving of our firstfruits to God, meaning the very first line item on our budget should be an allocation to a church, ministry, or other way to bless others. When every dollar is spoken for before the month begins, there is no room to bless others spontaneously. In Acts 4 we learn of the radical generosity of the early church. Debt makes such generosity nearly impossible.

Understanding the "Why" Behind the Burden

Before we can address debt, we must understand why it's become so pervasive. The causes are not simple, and is often a result of our own fallen nature and longing for something better (hint: heaven!).