Conquering Debt

When was the last time you imagined yourself wearing a coat of chainmail, wielding a sword and shield, and setting out on a noble steed through dense forest to slay a dragon?

If it’s been awhile, tap into your imagination and reach for your trusty blade. You’ll need both to slay a foe that threatens the well-being of a large percentage of the American population.

It’s called “debt.”

Just like the fire-breathing dragons from folklore, debt wreaks havoc on households, communities, even a nation. Debt can:

Destroy your marriage.
Influence whether or not you’ll be able to send your children to college.
Determine when – or if – you and your spouse can retire.
Limit your ability to reach out to others in need, including your own family or friends.

But if eliminating debt opens the door to financial freedom, then why do so many of us try to satisfy our hearts in a way that we feel compelled to spend more money than we’re bringing in?

Debt is often an issue of contentment. We aren’t satisfied with the gifts and resources God gives us, so we take matters into our own hands to buy more than we can afford.

Debt can also reflect impatience, and unwillingness to wait on God’s timing. Instead of saving now, so we can buy later, we jump feet first into debt, so we can have what we want right now.

Debt can also be the result of a lack of resources. Brian and Cherie Lowe were in debt to the tune of $127,000, yet they had “nothing fun to show for it.” They didn’t buy fancy electronic equipment, closets full of brand name clothing, or expensive vacations. They paid for cars and school loans and spent every extra penny they made on survival. They had no savings for emergencies. If one of the kids got sick, a vehicle broke down, or they ran short for groceries, they had to pay by credit card.

Gradually, the dragon consumed their lives.

How did Brian and Cherie slay the debt monster? They’re with us on our Focus on the Family Broadcast “Conquering Debt” to share practical and helpful tips that will help you cut costs, save money, and cast a vision for being debt free.

Join us on your local radio station, online, on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, or take us with you on our free phone app.

Cherie’s book, Slaying the Debt Dragon: How One Family Conquered Their Money Monster and Found a Happily Ever After is available for a gift of any amount. For more information, visit our website or call 1-800-A-FAMILY (232-6459).