A Ledger In Red: The Cost of Debt

It’s not easy to obtain freedom, without sacrifice. It’s something I know a lot about, but understand very little. I am an American with an iPhone, Macbook Pro, two paid for cars, a book shelf filled with close to a 100 plus books, I haven’t read. Last month I voted.

Yes this post is about getting out of debt. I’m getting there and that’s the whole point.

Success is something far too often that we can’t measure. It’s elusive like a chameleon always changing its colors, fleeting like the wind, who can hold it? Yet, its something we all can feel?

I have to remind myself that the purpose in getting out of debt, blogging about it, and trying to help others free themselves by sharing my personal finances with the world…is not so I can buy a Wii U, take a much-needed vacation, or buy that house on the cul-de-sac.

Sure it is….or can it be about something more? Stay tuned and I show you how…

The thing I keep being reminded of by everything around me is that money is not real. Money is a representation of what we value.

In my past/present I’ve valued two graduate degrees, 7 cars, hundreds of video games, Macbook Pros, and on and on. I’m 29 and for the most part my life has been about the accumulation of things, physical and intangible.

I’m not saying don’t value education, fun toys, because there is a time to enjoy them and at times a legitimate need to have them. However, if there value causes you to be in debt, then what are you valuing? [It’s food for thought, plus its late…and I’m “feeling” hungry.]

There is a scripture in Matthew 6:33 “Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and live righteously, and he will give you everything you need.”

You may not believe, but there is One greater than ourselves. There is also a great within us that is missing, its a greatness that can only be filled by One greater than ourselves.

His name is Jesus.

I know the reason why I must become debt free. It’s not for the sake of buying more, but not allowing those things I obtain to buy me. That is the real cost of debt. A loss of freedom.

There is a lyric in the song Bloodbuzz Ohio sung by Oh Land that goes “I still owe money to the money I owe”. Become debt free, to become free.

Jesus said “If the Son Sets you free, you are free indeed.” There are two kinds of freedom. The one we thought we created for ourselves by the accumulation of things and the one that truly exists that we can never create for ourselves.

Jesus paid the ultimate debt that you and I may be free. A debt we could never pay off. Be free. Be Second and not what think you may achieve, accumulate or be known for.

BudgetStrong.com

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