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Use the plastic! That\u2019s 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.\u00a0<\/p>\n
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 \u201cshort account.\u201d \u00a0By 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 \u201cshort account\u201d with God and each other. That also takes discipline.\u00a0<\/p>\n
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).<\/p>\n
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\u2019 life-giving forgiveness through His sacrifice on the cross (Hebrews 10:12).<\/p>\n
Just wait! It won\u2019t be long before life happens again and you will be asked, \u201care you using cash or credit?\u201d 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\u2019s \u201ccredit card\u201d is easy to apply for (believe), easy to get (grace), and a source of available forgiveness and mercy. Just keep your account short.<\/p>\n
Dear Lord, thank you for your forgiveness and promise of an eternity spent with You. Amen.<\/p>\n
Ephesians 4:26-27<\/a>
James 5:16<\/a>
Ephesians 5:1-2<\/a>
Micah 6:8<\/a>
1 John 1:9-10<\/a>
Hebrews 10:12<\/a><\/p>\n