I wrote this entry in the second year of my teaching career. I hadn’t worked outside the home before that.  My husband was a self-employed roofing/sheetrock contractor, and we had five children. Suffice it to say, money was tight.  It was a welcome relief when I became a teacher and was able to contribute to our income.  We haven’t really had significant financial concerns since then. 

However, in our early years, I am sorry to say, we got into big problems from the use of credit cards, so I understand the temptations and problems that come with that.  I’m not in the position to judge anyone else, but this was the Lord’s personal response to me when I asked Him.

As always, I am asking, praying, and trusting the Lord for the timing of this post and for those whom He wants to speak to.

From the journal . . . March 1997

Jesus, how do You feel about credit cards?   Lord, I really want to know. I want to do what You want, but You know that the financial decisions aren’t solely mine. So, as always, I need Your guidance.

I think I should put all credit cards away, except the gas card and one debit card. 

And God Said to me: 

Patience is a fruit that I want to produce in you. You use credit cards because you hate to wait. One aspect of the sin of lust is not being willing to wait. To wait is better than borrowing. I want you to discern between needs and whims when you contemplate spending money that you don’t have. Consider needs and whims any time you are going to spend money.  Be mindful but not obsessed with money issues.

Col 3:2 Think about the things of heaven, not the things of earth.

Lending and borrowing aren’t necessarily sins but can potentially threaten friend and family relationships. To give away with no strings attached is better than lending.

It occurs to me that people have different strategies for using credit cards. My encouragement is to ask God and seek direction from the Bible.  There are also Godly and wise financial type people that give lessons or advice on money matters. With everything, keep the Lord in the conversations.

And Solomon, my son, learn to know the God of your ancestors intimately. Worship and serve him with your whole heart and a willing mind. For the Lord sees every heart and knows every plan and thought. If you seek him, you will find him. But if you forsake him, he will reject you forever (1 Chron.28:9).

Plans go wrong for lack of advice;
    many advisers bring success (Prov 15:22).

Fools think their own way is right,
    but the wise listen to others (Prov 12:15).

“Will you go with me to Ramoth-gilead?” King Ahab of Israel asked King Jehoshaphat of JudahJehoshaphat replied, “Why, of course! You and I are as one, and my troops are your troops. We will certainly join you in battle.”

 Then Jehoshaphat added, “But first let’s find out what the Lord says.” (2 Chron. 18:3-4).