Those who pile up debt are living on borrowed time! Most people don’t realize this, or they wouldn’t let it pile up.

The first thing that comes to mind here is money, although it applies to other areas as well (relational, social, etc.). But why “borrowed time”? Because all that debt causes constant stress. That piled up debt becomes like a mountain of dirt heaped on top of someone.

It begins with a shovelful that seems light and easy enough to throw off. But if we put off throwing it off, the debt will continue to grow, get heavier, and become harder to dig out from.

It’s as if we’ve placed a sign on top, saying “Place dirt here”! Like dirt, debt builds on itself and attracts more debt. At some point, everyone knows where to pile the dirt, even without the sign, since the ever-increasing mound shows that.

Talk about a lot of pressure! Living under so much pressure is extremely stressful, and ultimately results in major health trouble—

–Ulcers and heart issues (from cortisol-induced anxiety)

–Obesity, diabetes, organ misfunction, etc. (from stress-related overeating and/or poor dietary habits)

–Lack of sleep from lack of peace, depleting the body of daily restoration

–Depression, despair, and other debilitating mental conditions that ruin our total health

–The list goes on…

Do we really want to let this happen? What can we do to prevent and/or reverse it?

1. Set up a payment plan—This begins with taking account of what we owe, including acknowledgement of the statement from who we owe. We may be able to discuss it or negotiate it, but we can’t deny it.

Once acknowledged, decide the timing, means, and increments of paying off that debt. Get wise counsel on this.

For financial debt, this means budgeting the money monthly or perhaps weekly. For relational debt, this means deciding and planning how to make things right with whoever we’ve hurt or offended.

“If anything is borrowed, it should be paid back. If what is borrowed is lost or injured, full restitution must be made.” Exod. 22:14

2. Go to whoever we’re in debt to and demonstrate a sincere intention to pay it back, literally or figuratively. For figurative (relational) debt, begin with an apology. Acknowledge that we’ve drained their emotional capital and intend to refill it. Whether financial or relational repayment, back up our promise with a first installment.

“Reconcile quickly with your adversary, while you are still on the way to court.” Mat. 5:25 (Ultimately, this refers to the Lord being our Judge)

3. Start now to dig out—bit by bit. That’s how we got into it and that’s how we’ll get out. Don’t procrastinate. It won’t get any easier if we wait. In fact, If it’s financial debt, start paying the money back in amounts you can handle that also satisfy your creditors.

If it’s relational debt, start giving words of encouragement, showing emotional support, doing acts of kindness for that person, etc. Start giving public credit to them anywhere that you’ve been siphoning it off for yourself.

“Pay to all what is owed to them: taxes to whom taxes are owed, revenue to whom revenue is owed, respect to whom respect is owed, honor to whom honor is owed.” Rom. 13:7

4. Practice self-control—whatever got us in debt in the first place happened because we gave in to the drive to obtain something before we had the resources to cover it. (Advertisers make a living producing and appealing to this drive).

Although this mainly applies to material/financial debt, this could also apply to relational debt. Sometimes we end up owing people apologies and better treatment because we’ve insulted, ignored, discouraged, provoked, or gotten angry at them. Our drive to feel better, “get something off our chest”, look good, or get back at someone overcomes our empathy and good sense.

Either way, take time to think and ask ourselves, “is this worth it?” Is getting what we want now worth losing our financial freedom, reputation, health, relationship, etc.?

“Be not one of those who give pledges, who put up security for debts. If you have nothing with which to pay, why should your bed be taken from under you?” Prov. 22:26-27

“Owe no one anything, except to love one another; for he who loves his neighbor has fulfilled the law.” Rom. 13:8

What kind of debt do you need to get out from under today? Dig out and live long and well!