"Family Matters"
By Paul Kendall

Credit Card from God

Financial stress is one of the greatest causes of marriage problems and a great contributor to many divorces today. According to the Federal Reserve Over 40% of US families spend more than they earn. The average American household has thirteen payment cards, including credit cards, debt cards and store cards. There are over 1.5 billion payment cards in circulation in the United States alone. No one intends to create more debt than they can pay when they sign on the dotted line, but most of know how it can sure creep up on you over the years.

In the first year of our marriage – my wife and I had a financial problem; I was in sales – but there were some lean weeks I didn’t even have money for gas. No gas in the car meant I couldn’t make sales – no sales meant more weeks with no money. And then one day, the answer came… we called it “The credit card from God!” A national gas company had apparently been moved upon by God to send us a credit card. This was confirmed by the bold, red letters on the envelope stating “PRE-APPROVED!” We danced and shouted “God has heard our cry!” and off to the gas station we went to fill our empty tank.

A month and four fill ups later we realized that we had not received a bill. Two months, three months and even FOUR MONTHS later… no bill. “Hmmmm… maybe the gas station forgot to turn in the receipts!” This really is a credit card from God!”

Then, it came…. the bill… for over $500 worth of gasoline! But, these people were so nice - they only asked for a minimum payment of $35. What do you think we paid?… yep… the $35 and not a penny more! The end of that year we received a – not so nice – letter from the company that issued us the Credit card from God; “We regret to inform you that your account has been closed. You have reached your maximum limit of $2,500. Please remit payment in full within thirty days”

“$2,500! We can’t pay that!” It took us years to pay off that ONE YEAR of gasoline. I guess it wasn’t a “Credit card from God” after-all.

In Luke 14:28, Jesus say’s “…which of you, intending to build a tower, does not sit down first and count the cost, whether he has enough to finish it.” The first step in financial restoration is admitting the fact that you did this to yourself. No one held a gun to your head saying “take the card or I’ll shoot!” Once you accept the fact that ONLY YOU created the problem – you’ll understand that ONLY YOU can fix it. 

So, before you sign on the dotted line, stop and consider the cost and your ability to pay it. And when the bill comes in, don’t carry balances forward - pay it all. If you can’t – then your credit card wasn’t from God either.

That's Family Matters... I'm Paul Kendall.

Paul Kendall is the host of the popular syndicated radio program "Family Matters" and author of a new book by the same name. Radio programs, family resources and much more are available at www.KendallFamilyNetwork.com.