“The rich rule over the poor, and the borrower is servant to the lender.” – Proverbs 22:7
This scripture has the obvious financial meaning, but there is more to it as it applies in our everyday lives. One of the promises in scripture is:
“For the LORD your God will bless you as he has promised, and you will lend to many nations but will borrow from none. You will rule over many nations but none will rule over you.” - Deuteronomy 15:6
God’s intention for His people from the beginning was that we would be blessed and have wealth. More than that, they would be a lending nation, not one who borrows. Why? Because the borrower is servant or subject to the lender! One of the New Testament commandments is:
“Owe nothing to anyone except to love one another; for he who loves his neighbor has fulfilled the law.” - Romans 13:8
Many believers claim freedom from any and every man and government, yet walk around in what I call, “borrower’s bondage”. Over the years, I have had several young people come to me at a crossroads in their lives; mostly when they begin to develop a personal sense of purpose in their walk with God. Many times their parents have already developed a plan for their lives that includes their education or career. Mom or Dad, Grandma or Grandpa have distinct thoughts of where Junior should be going in life and are willing to cover the expenses, provide housing and food for the journey. But Junior wakes up one day and God is speaking to him about what he should be doing with his life and it’s different than what Mom and Dad are hearing! This is where the rub is.
Most young people are tempted to just tell Mom and Dad where to stick it, while continuing to enjoy their free room and board. This is unacceptable! They are borrowing from Mom and Dad and therefore subject to Mom and Dad’s feelings, desires and opinion for their lives. Authority comes from responsibility. It’s only when Junior takes responsibility for his own life (and room, and board!) that he has authority to make decisions about it! How different is it when these young people approach their elders with a clear vision of God’s purpose for their lives and a willing desire to take responsibility to make it happen! THAT is freedom.
LIFE LESSON:
We are “free” to the degree that we take responsibility.
This scripture has the obvious financial meaning, but there is more to it as it applies in our everyday lives. One of the promises in scripture is:
“For the LORD your God will bless you as he has promised, and you will lend to many nations but will borrow from none. You will rule over many nations but none will rule over you.” - Deuteronomy 15:6
God’s intention for His people from the beginning was that we would be blessed and have wealth. More than that, they would be a lending nation, not one who borrows. Why? Because the borrower is servant or subject to the lender! One of the New Testament commandments is:
“Owe nothing to anyone except to love one another; for he who loves his neighbor has fulfilled the law.” - Romans 13:8
Many believers claim freedom from any and every man and government, yet walk around in what I call, “borrower’s bondage”. Over the years, I have had several young people come to me at a crossroads in their lives; mostly when they begin to develop a personal sense of purpose in their walk with God. Many times their parents have already developed a plan for their lives that includes their education or career. Mom or Dad, Grandma or Grandpa have distinct thoughts of where Junior should be going in life and are willing to cover the expenses, provide housing and food for the journey. But Junior wakes up one day and God is speaking to him about what he should be doing with his life and it’s different than what Mom and Dad are hearing! This is where the rub is.
Most young people are tempted to just tell Mom and Dad where to stick it, while continuing to enjoy their free room and board. This is unacceptable! They are borrowing from Mom and Dad and therefore subject to Mom and Dad’s feelings, desires and opinion for their lives. Authority comes from responsibility. It’s only when Junior takes responsibility for his own life (and room, and board!) that he has authority to make decisions about it! How different is it when these young people approach their elders with a clear vision of God’s purpose for their lives and a willing desire to take responsibility to make it happen! THAT is freedom.
LIFE LESSON:
We are “free” to the degree that we take responsibility.
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