21 Ways To Thrive By 45Sýnishorn

Pay off Debt

I salivate over the bright green Kate Spade bag and $8 latte as much as the next woman, but if there is a debt to be paid, we’ve got to get like Ramsey, and sport that gazelle-like focus in paying off debt. Debt—consumer, medical, school, or otherwise doesn’t determine our lives but should determine our spending habits. It takes some mighty fine self-control to pay off debt and it may feel like a never-ending hamster wheel, but to flourish in this season of your life requires financial freedom. Not freedom to roll through Target like a boss, tossing every shiny thing in your cart, but, as Romans 13 instructs, pay off what you owe and let our only debt be one of loving each other. That’s a debt we can afford.

Our culture attempts to convince us our debt is an acceptable way to live in our hunt for the latest gadget and gizmo, but if a debt is building then our savings and means to give dwindles. Especially in our twenties and thirties, while still in shock of how hard adulting is, it’s a good rule of thumb to live simply and give lavishly. Times of both plenty and want mark our lives, but wisdom tells us to pay our debts, live with what we have, don’t spend what we don’t have, and make room for generosity.

It's easy to slip into a pool of jealousy over what others around us have. In high school, we gushed over another girl's clothes and CD collection, but as grown women, we covet their cars, handbags, houses, and disposable incomes. Before we know it we’re charging our cards with the basic of "must haves" like our manicures and $17 salads.

We don’t have to live like that. We walk in self-control, honor, and integrity as we pay off debt and flourish in this season of life, no matter how much is in our checking account.