It is interesting in Romans chapter 13 how submitting to higher authorities is tied together with not being in debt. Romans 13:1 Let every soul be subject unto the higher powers. For there is no power but of God: the powers that be are ordained of God. Romans 13:8 Owe no man any thing, but to love one another: for he that loveth another hath fulfilled the law.
We had the opportunity to spend several days in Washington D.C. We had a congressional office staff tour of the Capital building. We waited in line for several hours but were able to sit in the Supreme Court and watch the 9 Justices hear arguments over two different cases. This is an experience that will make an impression on a person.
In the House Majority Leader’s Office
Being there and walking the halls and being in the offices of our country’s governmental leaders gave us a sobering perspective on the tremendous responsibility these people have to make and enforce the laws of our nation. As Christians we should be praying for these people and asking God to protect them, give them wisdom, and bless the work of their hands.
We are living in a sobering time in this country. Sin is rampant, people are attacking one another, but the greatest problem is Christian’s hearts are growing cold. Yes, sadly this is true. But we should not be surprised because the Scriptures tell us this will happen. And for those of us who adhere to the Scriptures for our life and direction, we cannot deny the following verse.
Matthew 24:12 And because iniquity shall abound, the love of many shall wax cold.
In the last several years, I have observed how Christian’s hearts are growing cold. You see it in people’s eyes, you hear in people’s conversations, you observe it in people’s choices. You feel it in people’s spirits. Iniquity has abounded and the love of many has grown cold.
The love of money goes right along with our hearts growing cold. So many people today are in debt to the banks, to the credit card companies, to other family members, to fellow believers, to neighbors, even to their enemies.
We have missed the mark so badly in this area of money. We have done this for various reasons, but in essence we have done this because of our own iniquity. Iniquity involves sin that relates to our will. When we choose to do something against God’s will, because our will wants to do it, this is iniquity. Iniquity is going against the will of God and justifying it because we want what we want.
Christians have varying views about how to effect the direction of our country, our political leaders, and our laws. Some Christians vote, some do not. Some protest, some do not. Some write governmental leaders, most do not. A few pray, but many do not. The Scriptures give vary specific directions here about each of the actitivites I have just listed. Praying for leaders is the only one listed specifically.
1 Timothy 2:1-2 I exhort therefore, that, first of all, supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks, be made for all men; 2 For kings, and for all that are in authority; that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and honesty. Godliness is closely tied to money. The following verses give the cure for having the love of money (which is clearly exhibited by being in debt).
1 Timothy 6:6-8 But godliness with contentment is great gain. 7 For we brought nothing into this world, and it is certain we can carry nothing out. And having food and raiment let us be therewith content.
So let us summarize these thoughts. Iniquity (people doing their own will) is abounding in our country, especially in the area of money (being in debt). People’s hearts are growing cold. This is evidenced in their lack of fervor for the things of God, and a lack of a close relationship with God through Jesus Christ.
And ultimately what happens is Christians in this condition lose their influence in society and society then becomes more ungodly, because the light of Christ is dimmed in the land and the world has great freedom to go further in sin.
Final thoughts. If you are in debt financially, you are being judged by God. If you have willingly chosen to obtain debt, you have a love of money because of the iniquity in your life – you are not content with food and clothing, you want what you want when you want it. And now you have it. The problem is you get a cold heart along with it.
Most people with a cold heart do not know it. If you are in this condition, you are certainly in a very sad state.
