WISDOM NEGLECTED ATTRACTS DEBT         By Mary Toll

Outside the sanctuary in our church parking lot, our Texas congregation and pastor cheered while copies of our church debt burned inside a pan. The billowy smoke was like the substance of our rising faith to be debt-free and absolved of its daily pressure.

“Debt covers life. Not just finances,” the Lord told me. "People, who ignore My word for guidance and exalt their own plans and desires are indebted to a worldly system.” Debt is like a runaway marriage with an unfaithful and quarrelsome bride; it nags, dominates emotions, destroys relationships, runs off with interest, and ruins good health. It would be beneficial to heed what King Solomon had said, “You’re blessed when you meet Lady Wisdom, when you make friends with Madame Insight. Her value exceeds all the trappings of wealth; nothing you could wish for holds a candle to her.” Proverbs 3:13, 15 {MSG}

My marriage experienced emotional debt after ignoring our differences discovered from a premarital study. We failed to recognize, acquire, and master the skillful tools needed to understand our mate beyond uttering the words “I do.” Leaning primarily on our youthful passion, it wasn’t long before those differences loomed and created offenses, causing our new love to erode. We were then grateful for God’s loving grace and attained wise marriage counsel in time.

Whether it’s relationships, a job, raising children, or health concerns, avoid hooking up with the enemy called debt without the Father’s blessing and Lady Wisdom at your side—“She is the very Tree of Life to those who embrace her. Hold her tight-and be blessed!” Proverbs 3:18 {MSG} and rather be indebted to Jesus Who paid for your salvation---in blood.

Mary lives in Amarillo, Texas with my retired Navy husband of thirty-four years. Contact