Credit Card
Use the plastic! That’s a viable solution to purchasing just about anything anymore. Credit cards are simple to apply for, easy to get, and a source of available funds right at your fingertips. They are a necessity if you want to purchase something online, ensure emergency funds, or a source of protection against fraud. Depending on the card, you can even get cash back, frequent flyer miles, or earn rewards and benefits. However, the interest rates are high. If not managed properly, you will accumulate too much debt, hurt your credit score, and it will become financially burdensome.
Keep A Short Account
I use a credit card often, especially if I go somewhere. Using the plastic for airline tickets, parking garage, and food. Then again for gifts and attractions. Completely unaware of the balance I am building up as my mind is glazed over by the convenience of swiping my card. The secret, as painful as it might be, is to have the discipline to keep a “short account.” By this I mean to keep paying off the account as soon as the bill arrives to avert paying those high rates. This is also true with Christian living. We must keep a “short account” with God and each other. That also takes discipline.
Christian Living Credit
If you are like me, it is so easy to get wrapped up in my job, my hobbies, or many self-interests. Not keeping God in my heart and allowing my sins to build up a large balance in that account. This happens when I ignore the warnings that I must curb my anger when things are not going my way (Ephesians 4:26-27). Failure of acknowledging the necessity of telling someone I am sorry if I have hurt them (James 5:16). And lacking the presence of mind to show others love, even those that might be hard to love. Just like Christ has shown so graciously to me (Ephesians 5:1-2).
Yes, I know that I will continue to sin, but as I strive to humbly walk with Christ, these are the things expected of me. Having these disciplines is a requirement for Christian life (Micah 6:8). Maintaining my short account by confessing my sins and asking for forgiveness from a loving God who understands all my shortcomings (1 John 1:9-10). These rewards are much better than plastic. Through my faith and Christian walk with Christ, I will be aware of my balance, benefits, and rewards. No matter what my balance has been in the past, my bad credit score has been wiped clean with Jesus’ life-giving forgiveness through His sacrifice on the cross (Hebrews 10:12).
Just wait! It won’t be long before life happens again and you will be asked, “are you using cash or credit?” No matter what you decide, remember to keep your account short. Especially with God, as we confess our sins and forgive one another continually as we walk with Christ to eternal glory. God’s “credit card” is easy to apply for (believe), easy to get (grace), and a source of available forgiveness and mercy. Just keep your account short.
Dear Lord, thank you for your forgiveness and promise of an eternity spent with You. Amen.
Ephesians 4:26-27
James 5:16
Ephesians 5:1-2
Micah 6:8
1 John 1:9-10
Hebrews 10:12
— Phil
If you like, check out these Daily Devotions
Today’s Scripture
Ephesians 4:26-27
The New Life
26 Be angry and do not sin; do not let the sun go down on your anger, 27 and give no opportunity to the devil.
James 5:16
The Prayer of Faith
16 Therefore, confess your sins to one another and pray for one another, that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person has great power as it is working
Ephesians 5:1-2
Walk in Love
1 Therefore be imitators of God, as beloved children. 2 And walk in love, as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us, a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God.
Micah 6:8
What Does the Lord Require?
8 He has told you, O man, what is good; and what does the Lord require of you but to do justice, and to love kindness,[2] and to walk humbly with your God?
1 John 1:9-10
Walking in the Light
8 If we say we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. 9 If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. 10 If we say we have not sinned, we make him a liar, and his word is not in us.
Hebrews 10:12
Christ’s Sacrifice Once for All
12 But when Christ[2] had offered for all time a single sacrifice for sins, he sat down at the right hand of God,