“My wife is going to have plastic surgery,” a man said to his friend. “I’m taking away all her credit cards!” How easy it is to purchase things we do not need with money we do not have. Then we lose not only our credit, but also our good Christian witness. “If therefore you have not been faithful in the use of unrighteous mammon [money] who will entrust the true riches to you?” (Luke 16:11, NASB) Churches and Christians who defend their orthodoxy but do not pay their bills have no orthodoxy to defend.

Paul urged: “Study to be quiet, and to do your own business, and to work with your own hands, as we commanded you; that ye may walk honestly toward them that are without, and that ye may have lack of nothing” (1 Thessalonians 4:11-12).

Also consider: Luke 6:31; Acts 24:16; 2 Corinthians 7:2; 8:1-9; 1 Peter 2:12.

Action assignment: If you feel there’s often more outgo than income in your household, consider working out a budget. Talk with a friend who lives by a budget. Talk to the Lord about your use of money; ask Him to help you avoid damaging your testimony by helping you not to fall behind in paying your debts.