“A man lacking common sense gives a pledge And becomes guarantor [for the debt of another] in the presence of his neighbor.” Proverbs 17:18 AMP
A word of wisdom today, no one should jump recklessly into a situation that makes them accountable for another person’s irresponsible behavior! We have seen warning before in Chapter 6,
“My son, if you have become surety (guaranteed a debt or obligation) for your neighbor, If you have given your pledge for [the debt of] a stranger or another [outside your family], 2If you have been snared with the words of your lips, If you have been trapped by the speech of your mouth, 3Do this now, my son, and release yourself [from the obligation]; Since you have come into the hand of your neighbor, Go humble yourself, and plead with your neighbor [to pay his debt and release you]. 4Give no [unnecessary] sleep to your eyes, Nor slumber to your eyelids; 5Tear yourself away like a gazelle from the hand of the hunter and like a bird from the hand of the fowler.”
Proverbs 6:1-4 AMP
The danger is that if the person has been irresponsible financially up to this point, they may not be able to fulfil the obligations of the loan. If the conclusion is that they have been unreliable, dishonest, or lazy, you should not co-sign for them! The realities of legal documents are harsh. There will be no “I understand that it isn’t your debt” when the loans come due. There are times when co-signing makes sense. The reality is however, the person receiving the money should be in a position to meet the obligations of the contract! This advice includes both friends and family members! Helping a friend in need with a little support is one thing Over-committing is another! Solomon again warns in Chapter 22,
“Do not be among those who give pledges [involving themselves in others’ finances], Or among those who become guarantors for others’ debts. 27If you have nothing with which to pay [another’s debt when he defaults], Why should his creditor take your bed from under you?”
Proverbs 22:26-27 AMP
This not only applies to individuals but institutions and businesses as well. We see today that many a politician pledges things to obtain votes but in reality, there is no money to execute the promise. In order to fulfil their misguided commitments, they go into deficit spending and leave the problem for the next guy or gal coming into office! No one likes to budget! We would love to spend without limit or consequence. The reality is however, that the hens will soon come home to roost! The Scripture speaks volumes on how to handle your finances. Tithing for example is a tool that God has created to create wealth for the believer. It goes against everything we know, “give and you will receive.” To the natural mind it should be “receive and you will give!”
I often gets asked, “isn’t it under to Old Law that the tithe was given therefore we no longer are obligated to give it?” Yes, you are correct. Under the old covenant, a system of works. “Today however we are under the new covenant which is grace. In order then to receive grace and forgiveness I must surrender my life and die to my own desires and ways. If I have died then all of my possessions belong to someone else, Christ! That means that 100% of what I have is His! Now we are told that the Law reflected the reality of our relationship with God. If that be case, then now the practice of giving is a part of my life for Christ gave 100% so that we may receive 100%! Remember that “The earth is the Lord’s and fullness thereof!” Our monetary instruments are part of the “fullness thereof!”
Financial stewardship puts God first and understands that we are now stewards. A steward is someone who is caring for the possessions of another! While in their possession, all of it can be enjoyed by the steward. But when the Master has need, it must be freely given! Remember that true wealth now lies not in the accumulation of wealth but in our relationship with God! The Apostle Paul remined Timothy,
“As for the rich in this present world, instruct them not to be conceited and arrogant, nor to set their hope on the uncertainty of riches, but on God, who richly and ceaselessly provides us with everything for our enjoyment. 18Instruct them to do good, to be rich in good works, to be generous, willing to share [with others]. 19In this way storing up for themselves the enduring riches of a good foundation for the future, so that they may take hold of that which is truly life.”
1 Timothy 6:17-19 AMP
Be a cheerful giver! Look deep into your heart and ask if you are just looking for an excuse not to give to Kingdom work! Giving is required of the believer as that is part of the way we bless others. The model of the tithe is clearly about trust and obedience. We don’t give to get but the only place God challenges us to test Him is in the area of giving!
“Bring all the tithes (the tenth) into the storehouse, so that there may be food in My house, and test Me now in this,” says the LORD of hosts, “if I will not open for you the windows of heaven and pour out for you [so great] a blessing until there is no more room to receive it.”
Malachi 3:10 AMP
If you are struggling financially begin to tithe! Give God a chance to show you His faithfulness and you will see the floodgates of heaven open upon your life! This issue is a matter of the heart! I tell people always, if you are putting money in the collection out of obligation, keep it! But, when we are obedient and in line with Kingdom principles, we shall receive the the early and the latter rain! Have a blessed day, Pastor Ken