“I owe, I owe, so off to work I go.” Ever feel like DEBT weighs you down and keeps you from enjoying the very thing you purchased with it? Isn’t it funny how that happens? If you have experienced debt, you can fully understand what the writer of Proverbs meant when he said, “The borrower is servant to the lender.” Not only is debt bondage, but it prevents us fully serving the Master because we have looked to a lesser god for our provision. Our Savior paid a high price for our freedom, and He really wants us to enjoy all He died to give us! While the thief comes to steal, kill, and destroy, Jesus came that we might have and enjoy life, to the full, till it overflows. (John 10:10 AMP)  It just sounds good to hear that, doesn’t it? Let’s talk about some practical steps we can take to move away from debt and toward financial freedom.

First, stop the debt train. Let your motto become, “If it calls for debt, the answer is no.” Next, begin to eliminate the debt you do have. Don Tyson communicated his business strategy with three profound words, “SEGMENT, CONCENTRATE, DOMINATE.” This business strategy is also a great debt reduction strategy. Itemize your current debts into SEGMENTS by listing each one in order from least amount owed to greatest amount owed. CONCENTRATE your efforts on the smallest debt first. Pay the minimum amounts for all other the debts and give any extra dollars you can to the first creditor on your list. When the first debt is completely paid off, add the amount you were paying toward the first debt to the second debt on your list and begin to DOMINATE in debt reduction. Keep repeating this cycle until you are completely debt free.

Are you afraid this process might be painful or too restrictive? Ask yourself a simple question, “Is what you are doing working?” If the answer is no, why not make a CHANGE? I think you will find taking these steps toward financial freedom will bring great peace and many rewards. Lyle and I can tell you from personal experience it feels GREAT to have no debt besides our home, and we are actively working on that goal. When the Master comes to take an account of what He has entrusted to you, will He be able to say to you, “Well done, you have been faithful over a little; I will put you in charge of much”? (See Matthew 25) As you put your financial house in order, prepare to receive greater blessings by which you can be a blessing to others!