Debt and Ministry

Something grabbed my attention last year as I read George Muller’s biography. I admired his faith, and thought about the “extreme” financial principles that were foundational to his orphanage ministry. I wonder today whether these principles were necessary in his ministry for it to be what it was, to become what it became; for his faith to grow like it did. And I am wondering whether we have built a reality of ministry where increased reliance on man and world’s principles keeps God from blessing us, and instead causes Him to use pain to get our attention. Are we making progress in increasing our dependence on Him? If not, are we building without him? Our dependence on Him is also manifested in the way we make financial decisions. If a good servant does what the master wants, at the time he wants it done, with the talents He gives, best stewardship may not necessarily be borrowing money for ministry at a good interest rate; or going to seminary on a student loan.

I see the opposite of “having it now” as the desirable trait throughout the Bible. I see blessed people who were willing to wait and depend on the Lord for his provision. Living by faith in His promises. I see the rush to “have it now” being discouraged, foolish, punished directly by the Lord or indirectly via cause and effect. I also don’t see a lot of opportunist on the right side of God. I see God desiring glory, credit for who he is and what he does. And I see often things get worse before his hand works. I see Him often bypassing sophistication and choosing to bless simplicity. If it His work, and he has everything, won’t he provide for the ministry in the most efficient way? Does He want widow’s money to be spent on interest to the bank?