There is an unpleasant scene happening as the landlord and its artist tenant were fighting over the rent. It is obvious that the artist has been deep in debt and could not pay the rent and so the following conversation ensued:
The penniless artist was cornered by the landlord, who demanded several months’ back rent. “Just think,” the artist pleaded, “someday tourists will be pointing to this building and say, ‘The great abstract painter Antonio Garcia used to live here.’
The landlord shrugged. “And if you don’t pay up, they can come by tomorrow and say that.”
The Bible tells us: Proverbs 22:7 The rich ruleth over the poor, and the borrower is servant to the lender. Ask the ones who are deep in debt. They will tell you this is so true.
They say that only the rich can be debt free. That is not true. There are many rich people who are “rich” but only because they are living on borrowed money. There are people who do not have much money but they are richer than the rich because they are debt free. The truth is that anyone can become debt free an d reducing debt is as simple as plain common sense and hard work.
Here are some ideas by which you can avoid debt or get out of it:
1. GET OUT OF DENIAL
Denial time is over. The glorious days of wanton disregard for spending are gone. Get real. Decide to get out of debt NOW and be willing to do some work. Stop blaming people and stop blaming circumstances. You made a mistake, take responsibility because this starts the whole healing process.
2. AVOID QUICK FIXES
You cannot borrow money just to pay the money you owe. There are sources offering easy credit but exorbitant interests, These are quick fixes that will get you deeper in your debt hole. Others go into buying lotto tickets or would roll the little money they have left in games and gambling. That is not the way to go. That is the recipe for disaster.
3. BE WILLING TO WORK HARD
Quick fixes are for lazy people. Sacrifice and hard work are for disciplined people.
You need to be willing to work hard and sacrifice in order to fix the situations that you created with your own irresponsibility. If you are not willing, then you cannot be helped.
Maybe you need to take up additional jobs, work a few more days including Sundays. Accept any job that could add a little more money on your paycheck. Work is the only way you can get money to pay off your debt.
4. LIQUIDATE STUFF
Most of the stuff you have in your homes are stuff you wanted not the stuff you needed.
Sell them even for a loss and make sure you use the money to pay off your creditors. Check all those small expenses that are there like gym memberships, magazine subscriptions, phone bills and plans and just plug those expense holes so you can stop your ship from the sinking process.
5. BUDGET. BUDGET AND BUDGET
You may not like math but now you need to face it. Be an accountant. Make sure you list down every expense item you incur no matter how small they are so you can measure where your money goes. Always remember that you cannot manage what you do not measure.
6. SIMPLIFY YOUR LIFESTYE
Stop worrying about your “image.” If you are in debt you have a bad image.
Simplify…simplify and simplify.
7. PRAY AND TRUST GOD
God says He provides food for the sparrows and are you not worth more than birds? This is the time when you and your entire family stop blaming each other and start supporting one another and to come to God in prayer. Ask for wisdom. As for grace and ask for God to provide opportunities for recovery.
Ever since the economic downturn happened, I have had friends who turned to God because their businesses went down. It’s been 10 months since and I have actually seen improvements in their conditions.
The best three words on a tombstone in not “Rest in Peace.” In my opinion it should be “Paid in Full.”