Trying to live a debt-free life without Christ is empty and much more difficult than one who lives debt-free IN Christ. Remember Philippians 4:19? “But my God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus.” Isn’t that a beautiful promise? Think about the phrase, “according to his riches in glory.” The One Who owns the cattle on a thousand hills, Who made the earth and hung the sun, moon and stars—He is the One Who provides for our needs. WOW. He has the means. Do we have the faith and depth of character to receive it?
We certainly don’t abide in Christ so He will provide for our needs. We abide in Christ for blessed fellowship with the One Who loves us and died for us. “As the Father hath loved me, so have I loved you: continue ye in my love. If ye keep my commandments, ye shall abide in my love; even as I have kept my Father’s commandments, and abide in his love” (John 15:9-10).
Providing for our needs is a blessing of abiding in Christ. It’s as natural as the vine giving nourishment to the branches. It is like parents providing for their children. As you raise your children, you aren’t keeping track of everything you spend on them so they can repay you when they are on their own. You provide for them because you love them.
The Psalmist said, “The idols of the heathen are silver and gold, the work of men’s hands” (Psalm 135:15). Likely that is why it’s been said that “anything we turn to to meet our needs is a competing god.” Are we content in Christ Who will supply all our needs? Does the reality of our day-to-day life—the decisions that we make—prove to those observing us that He is our God, Whom we trust and live for? Who/what are we looking to for our needs?
Steve
“For every beast of the forest is mine, and the
cattle upon a thousand hills.” Psalm 50:10
“Behold, I am the LORD, the God of all flesh:
is there any thing too hard for me?” Jeremiah 32:27