We’re very excited to share with you that Jesse purchased his house debt-free this month!
Jesse (23) worked hard to save over the past years and be wise with his expenditures. Also, living at home and no rent charged enabled him to save even faster. Dad and Mom are so gracious to provide for us in that way!
So, how did this come about? Jesse’s been watching the housing market for a while. Last year, he considered a house, but after some time, he saw it wasn’t a good fit. Then, in May, we had some friends over, and as part of the conversation, they casually mentioned the house next door to them, and that it was a rental house.
Jesse had the idea to contact the owner to see if he was at all interested in selling, and would you believe, the man was just about to list his house?! Every part of the process went smoothly. We praise the Lord for this exciting answer to prayer–and a fulfillment of a vision my dad had for his sons!
Jesse plans to use the house as a rental until he needs it, and he’s not in a relationship.
Dropping off his check at the title company!
At the house closing!
I strongly recommend two resources (Preparing Sons and Buying a House Debt-Free). My parents share practically how they prepared my brothers not only to provide for their future family but also how they encouraged them to buy a house debt-free.
“… and the borrower is servant to the lender.” Proverbs 22:7
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?
For some time I’ve had it on my heart to encourage families who have the desire to raise children to live debt-free lives. From my discussions with people, I believe the vast majority of Christians today are burdened down with debt. They believe it is just a fact of life – unavoidable.They have labored for years under the weight of it, not thinking it is possible to live without it. Praise God there are some who desire and are committed to something better for their children. If that is your desire, this series is for you.
I recently asked those who receive the Seriously Dads’ email if they were committed to raising their children to be debt-free. My purpose was to reply to them directly and encourage them. However, too many responded for me to dialog with each individually. To give you an idea, however, of the mindset of today’s conservative Christians, ONLY 2% replied that they are committed to this endeavor for their children. That grieves my heart not in any sort of condemnation, but because of the bondage they are experiencing and the freedom in life they are missing.
Still, I was encouraged that many responded that they are committed to raising their children to be debt-free. That also meant I needed to find another way of corresponding with you. I realized we could do it via the blog and for those who wished could sign up to receive the blog via email (see the right side bar). That is why the addition of a new topic thread to the titus2.com blog.
What to expect, (Lord willing):
Hope! Hope is the essential, beginning point for commitment and achievement.
Practical ideas and resources that build upon that hope.
Encouragement. One brother shared how all his friends were suggesting that he get a mortgage and that it was a ridiculous idea to try to save for a house. This will be a “place” of encouragement.
A place for you to be involved. You can respond via e-mail (not by comments), give me your thoughts on questions, share your heart, and ask questions. (If you wish to respond, you can do so via our Contact Form or replying to a Seriously email.)
God’s grace. He gives it bountifully when we seek to follow Him.
Life in Christ, Who is the Hope of the world, the King of Kings and Lord of Lords.
Share these posts with others who you believe are open to living debt-free and/or raising their children that way. Even though you may be surrounded by those thinking it isn’t possible, why not help them escape “Egypt” with you? Create your own encouragement community around you.
Question: What do you think are foundational aspects for someone to be debt-free?
Thank you for being a part. Please pray for us as we pray for you.
(Also, WordPress automatically adds what it considers as related posts below.)
Trusting in Christ alone, Steve
“Now the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that ye may abound in hope, through the power of the Holy Ghost” (Romans 15:13).
Earlier this week, we received the Buying a House Debt-Free books. It’s truly amazing to have the finished product. After a huge time investment, it’s exciting to see it done. Our prayer is that the Lord will use this book to show many that it is indeed possible to own their first home without being in bondage to a lender. We believe that this is a desperately needed message across America, and ultimately the world. Our hope is that this book will start a wave of different thinking; a group of people that are determined to set their families on the best path, and not willing to take the average “impossible” for an answer.
That’s why we think Dr. Davis nailed it with the comment he sent us after reading a pre-release copy:
“I am very impressed with the vision the Maxwells are casting for young men. This book has the potential to make a significant impact on the next generation. I want my grandsons to read this. The stories given are worth the price of the book.”
— Dr. S.M. Davis
Get yours today and find practical direction as well as inspiration from young men who have taken that road which isn’t crowded. They are average citizens, like you, with above-average ambitions: motivated merely by the un-willingness to live off of what a bank will loan. It is possible.
“And thou shalt teach them diligently unto thy children, and shalt talk of them when thou sittest in thine house, and when thou walkest by the way, and when thou liest down, and when thou risest up.” Deuteronomy 6:7
We are excited about Buying a House Debt-Free. It’s a resource we believe will help families gain the vision and practical “how-tos” to equip their sons to purchase a home debt-free.
One of our pre-release test dads shared: “Rather than take the path most travelled, authors Steve and Teri Maxwell provide examples of how young men were able to buy their first homes debt free. These are inspirational stories about how God directed these young men, often in their early teen years to develop vocational skills, save money and look for opportunities to avoid the pitfalls and slavery of a mortgage.”
Two winners will be selected by a drawing from the approved comments on Friday, March 21st. Participation is easy. All you have to do is comment under this post by Thursday, March 20th at noon CDT.
So, the question we’d like you to answer in your comment to enter is:
Why would you want your son to have his home debt-free?
Onto the fine print. This will be on the honor system, so we leave it to you.
Entry closed at noon on the 20th. Thank you to those who entered.
One entry per family.
We reserve the right not to post any comment or entry.
If you have already pre-ordered the book, don’t worry. Enter anyway. If you are a winner, we will refund your money.
“Seest thou a man diligent in his business? he shall stand before kings; he shall not stand before mean men.” Proverbs 22:29
The Maxwell family and ministry blog of Titus2.com.
