Avoiding Debts by T. E. BOWEN

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Washington, D. C. · Feb 13, 1913

Avoiding Debts

By T. E. BOWEN

T. E. BOWEN

THERE are many practices of the world which become so familiar to the people of God that the danger is that, little by little, we shall forsake the high principles of the Bible, designed by the Lord to preserve his people in these last days, and enter upon that for which there is no Bible authority. One of these common things to be avoided is that of becoming involved in debt. In these days there are national debts of almost incomprehensible sums; there are State debts, city debts, corporation debts, and individual debts.

Recklessly Borrowing Money

So long as some men can borrow money they think apparently nothing of it. Upon this borrowed money, fine clothing, an automobile, or anything to make a fine appearance, is indulged in, with little thought, apparently, of a severe pay-day coming. Graft, embezzlement, or theft may be the next step, to meet the day of settlement, rather than break the caste this high living has made. These failing, many resort to putting an end to their troubles by committing suicide.

Christ's Example in Providing for His Work

But what about the Christian, the follower of the lowly Christ? What course should he pursue in these days of fast living? Is there anything in the life of Christ that would lead us to enter upon these things so common in the world? While he said he had no place to call his own, unlike the little birds or the foxes, yet at the end of three and one-half years of earnest, aggressive, heaven-appointed work, during which time there were associated with him quite a band of men, and an active interest was taken in assisting the poor, we learn of no debts resting upon the new cause of God just started in the earth.

Whatever trials the disciples were called upon to bear while the Master hung upon the cross, we learn from the record of no financial obligations resting upon the little band. Somehow Jesus provided for each need of the growing cause beforehand. No debt accrued. Necessary things were provided as they went along, so at the end of Jesus' life, after committing his mother to John to be tenderly cared for, the Son of God went out of this world with nothing laid up in store, and with no unpaid obligations resting upon him.

Christ's Method Continued in the Early Church

As the church increased, this principle of looking to God to provide for the things needful seems to have been the one governing the believers. Those with means were added to the church, and when a time of need came, possessions were sold, and the money was used to provide for the necessities of the believers. This was at Jerusalem. Later, contributions were taken among the Gentiles by Paul to help the Christians in Judea in time of famine. And then as a missionary Paul worked with his own hands making tents, other associate laborers no doubt joining, to provide for their own and others' temporal needs. And so inwrought became this principle in Paul's life that by inspiration he left on record these words: “Render therefore to all their dues: tribute to whom tribute is due; custom to whom custom; fear to whom fear; honor to whom honor. Owe no man anything, but to love one another: for he that loveth another hath fulfilled the law.” Rom. 13:7, 8.

Lesson From Paul's Example

Paul's example, as one of the first missionaries commissioned by the Holy Ghost to go with the gospel to the Gentiles, establishing as he did the work of God in lands outside of Palestine, indicates that he lived within his income. Whether at some period in his life he received a stated amount from the funds of the church or not, one thing is sure—that, as one would avoid the leprosy, he avoided debt. He writes: “Not that I speak in respect of want: for I have learned, in whatsoever state I am, therewith to be content. I know both how to be abased [by being in actual need, so considered by the world], and I know how to abound: everywhere and in all things I am instructed both to be full and to be hungry, both to abound and to suffer need.” Phil. 4:11, 12. Paul lived within his income. And if that income was small, he says he had learned how to cut down his expenses accordingly—even though he “be hungry.” Paul's credit possibly was such that he might have borrowed of some one to help him out. But this is not recorded. Having himself thus lived, he could point out to others this safe pathway of faith and trust in God: “But my God shall supply all your need [note it is not ambition nor wants] according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus.” Verse 19.

Incurring Debts by Instalments

That which applies to the individual certainly applies to the Christian home. In order for the father and mother to live within their means, and not become involved in debt, many things to be desired and some things perhaps greatly needed, must be denied themselves. In these days when almost everything can be bought upon the instalment plan, and great inducements are held out to do so, it means the exercise of strict self-denial not to become greatly involved in debt. And the family that keeps from debt ought to be commended for having accomplished a good piece of financiering. And if any are so fortunate as to own little homes, be they ever so humble, and be free from debt, they are truly better off than many kings and queens.