Debt Ceiling, A Christian Perspective

“For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” Jeremiah 29:11 (ESV)

One of the major topics of discussion this Congressional Session is the debt ceiling. Our public officials overspent taxpayer money and then simply printed more, pushing us toward our ever-increasing “credit limit.” Now, there is no clear path to avoid reaching this limit. House Republicans have requested spending cuts, while the White House prefers to again raise the debt ceiling. It remains to be seen if they come to agreement to escape defaulting on our debt. Ultimately, our representatives were not good stewards of American taxpayer money and as late as December, were still passing legislation to increase spending by billions of dollars.

The Bible teaches us how to be good stewards of our money. Luke 14:28-30 says, “For which of you, desiring to build a tower, does not first sit down and count the cost, whether he has enough to complete it? Otherwise, when he has laid a foundation and is not able to finish, all who see it begin to mock him, saying, ‘This man began to build and was not able to finish.’” Simply stated, God, in his lovingkindness, encourages us to live within our means in order to escape the painful consequences of not doing so. He shows us what is in our best interests. Because we are responsible for electing officials to represent those interests, it is important that we, as Christians, do all we can to hold our representatives accountable to this same standard.

What can we do? First, we put our faith in God and not in man, remembering that our hope for our future is in God alone. Secondly, we pray for our leaders and for the financial decisions they make on our behalf. Lastly, we contact our elected officials to let them know that we support spending cuts and that we oppose increasing the debt ceiling and spending money we do not have. God’s Word is full of wisdom in this area. Pray over the following scriptures and consider including them in your communications with your elected officials:

“Everyone to whom much was given, of him much will be required.” Luke 12:48 (ESV)

“The wise have wealth and luxury, but fools spend whatever they get.” Proverbs 21:20 (NLT)

“Just as the rich rule the poor, so the borrower is servant to the lender.” Proverbs 22:7 (NLT)

“Careful planning puts you ahead in the long run; hurry and scurry puts you further behind.” Proverbs 21:5 (MSG)

Father God, we praise you today, as the Prince of Peace and the Lord of Lords! Your name is high and lifted up, as You are higher that any power or principality that sets itself up in opposition to Your will for our country. We thank You for all You do for us, Lord. We know Your mighty hand is still on this country, as You have prayer warriors here. Your people are standing in the gap and we are determined! We reject a spirit of fear and ask for courage to stand up in the face of opposition to what is good and right and true. We specifically ask You today that You will impress on our leaders the importance of being good stewards of our money, and that You will guide them into making decisions that align with Your will. We give You all the glory for what You are doing and are about to do, Father! In the precious name of Jesus, we pray, Amen!