Do you know there is a big difference between being debt-free and being content in Christ? I am debt-free, but I am still in the process of learning to be fully content in Christ.

Being debt-free is a financial condition, but content in Christ is a matter of the heart and life. A person can be debt-free and not be content in Christ. While someone who is content in Christ, is almost certainly going to be debt-free. (Notice the phrase “going to be”? If they aren’t debt-free now, I believe it will be the burden of their heart, and they are working toward being debt-free.)

Debt-free is a matter of learning certain techniques and disciplines–being willing to limit oneself because of a commitment. However, that person can still be raging with discontent and be miserable. He could choose to live out his unmet desires through other means. He might still practice poor financial management by spending everything he has to fulfill his lusts.

“Not that I speak in respect of want: for I have learned, in whatsoever state I am, therewith to be content” (Philippians 4:11).

As parents committed to raising your children to be debt-free, an even more important question is: Do you desire for them to learn to be content in Christ? 

Steve