Debtfully Generous

 Hi Everyone!


As a missionary, I have the blessing of seeing life outside the box of most humanity. I see more than one government at its best and worst, people as they thrive and fall, and how scripture applies to it all without pulling scripture out of context. This endeavor often leaves more grey areas than black and white while also granting some of the most challenging growth opportunities.

Over the years, we have realized that missionaries get their money from the leftovers for most financial partners. There is the mission-giving budget after the big cable package and nicer car. In all reality, I'm not that irritated by that, as most missionaries are "called" until they get a parasite or a low-giving month, and then they're done. Locals point this out, "They say if this is how you follow an Almighty God, that you run from trouble, then why would I follow him"? So, in the same likeness, why should anyone struggle to support them? That being said, some partners and missionaries do give of themselves beyond what is common. Both are rare but do exist. I believe any way you look at it, whether you be the missionary or the giver, what we sacrifice for shows what we are committed to.

As adults in America, we are taught to avoid debt. This is actually a logical and healthy approach to finance. However, it also brings up a contradiction, as those same people go into debt for houses, cars, and many other things. The pattern of those things is often self-oriented. This pattern shows that they are committed more to themselves and their comforts than the convictions they teach. This brings me to the question of if we go into debt for what we are committed to, shouldn't believers go into debt for the gospel instead of the 30-year mortgage? Shouldn't we be Debtfully Generous instead of debtfully comfortable?

Most would say, "Don't you know that the debts have to be paid?" To which is common sense, which my wife says isn't so common. The reality is the pros out weigh the cons in a kingdom perspective if we are Debtfully Generous. If the economy is too bad to keep cash flowing, you have two options: encourage kingdom growth by going into some debt to buy time to find a solution or stop, let eternity be the secondary focus and just enjoy the season of transition. I unapologetically encourage you to be Debtfully Generous. Not to me necessarily, just as a lifestyle. Eternity is always the priority. Go into debt to buy the time and focus on God's kingdom. There is no price too big for the conversion and discipleship of a new believer, even if we have to pay it later.

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