One hundred years ago, debt was regarded as an earned privilege for the few. Now it’s seen as an inalienable right for all. Borrowing has become an integral part of our lives.

Why do I receive mailings telling me that $5,000 or $10,000 or $20,000 has already been approved for me and to receive it I need only send in the enclosed agreement? Why do banks and credit companies beg me to borrow from them, listing dozens of ways I could use the money? Why are people so anxious to lend me money? The answer is simple—they want me to borrow because they will make a lot of money from my debt.

Several years ago, I put together Scripture related to debt, as well as some self-examining questions to ask ourselves: Debt: Who You Gonna Serve?

You might also like to check out these past blog posts on Nine Consequences of Debt and 11 Questions to Ask Ourselves About Debt.

I’ve received questions over the years about specific types of debt, including How Should Christians Approach Home Mortgage Debt?, What About Student Debt?, and Should We Have and Use Credit Cards?

Those working to get out of debt often have questions about how to balance the goal of being-debt free with faithfulness in giving. In this 3-minute video, I discuss the question of “Should I Tithe or Pay off My Debt First?” (See also Paying Down Debt and Giving.)

For more on stewardship and debt, see Randy’s books The Treasure Principle, Managing God’s Money, and Money, Possessions, and Eternity.

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