Crosswalk Finance ? You Can Escape the Debt Trap, July 16, 2003
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Crosswalk Finance ? Becoming Better Stewards of God?s Blessings
http://link.crosswalk.com/UM/T.asp?A1.5.13183.1.1483258
Wednesday, July 16, 2003
Welcome to Crosswalk Finance, a free newsletter from Crosswalk.com.
Crosswalk Finance brings you timely and informative articles to help
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>> You Can Escape the Debt Trap
Nearly one million Americans file for bankruptcy every year and
thousands seek help through credit counseling because they are too far
in debt to get out. Chances are good that even you have fallen into the
debt trap at least once in your life, or perhaps you or a loved one is
struggling to get out right now.
Take comfort. There is a way of getting - and staying - out.
> Don't overestimate the importance of wealth. Money won't solve your
problems, bring happiness, buy friends, or make you important.
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> Skip instant gratification. Learn discipline - the ability to
postpone pleasure. You get into financial and spiritual difficulty when
you cannot postpone pleasure until the proper time. The desire for
instant gratification leads to impulse-buying - the easiest path to the
debt trap. Interestingly, men are worse than women about spending money
they don't have.
> Don't spend money on sin. Think of the millions of dollars that are
wasted on alcohol consumption and drug use each year, as well as
pornography and gambling. What seems like a trivial pursuit can lead to
addiction and the devastation of lives. If you have that pattern in your
life, admit your problem and seek help.
> Don't overspend. Live within your means. Don't get drawn into the
credit card trap of spending more than you intend, or paying off less
than the full amount. Simplify your life so that you can live
comfortably within your means.
> Accept responsibility. When you find yourself headed for the debt
trap, don't look to quick fixes (lotteries or get-rich-quick schemes) or
others to bail you out. Learn to be disciplined and willing to do the
difficult things necessary to break your habits and get out of the trap
you're in.
> Develop a plan. You can't go on living the same way and expect
results other than what you have. Write down a better plan for living.
> Submit to the Father's will. Listen to what God is saying to you: in
scripture, in sermons, in the comments of friends. Humble yourself
before the Father and ask for forgiveness and guidance.
> Start immediately. Once you have resolved to fix the problem and
devised a plan, don't wait to put it into action. Although it may take a
long time to recover fully, you will feel better knowing you are
beginning to get things under control.
Taken from "Money: A User's Manual" by Bob Russell with Rusty Russell. ©
1997 by Bob Russell. Used by permission of Bob Russell, Louisville, Ky.
Available only through The Living Word, 1-800-366-9673, \$7.79 plus
shipping (tax where applicable).
Bob Russell pastors Southeast Christian Church, a 10,000-member church
in Louisville, Ky. His previous books include "Marriage by the Book" and
"When Life is a Zoo, God Still Loves You." Bob and his wife, Judy,
oversee Living Word Ministries, a tape ministry.Rusty Russell holds a
B.A. in Biblical Studies from Cincinnati Bible College. A former
teacher, school administrator, and preacher, he now serves as a research
associate for Southeast Christian Church.
>> Visit Crosswalk?s Family Finance channel for more great articles and
resources to help you serve your family?s needs and become a better
steward of God?s blessings.
http://link.crosswalk.com/UM/T.asp?A1.5.13183.1.1483258
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