Presenting ...
... a weekly letter of encouragement.
Singapore
June 28,
1995
Good Morning!
ENTANGLEMENTS:
"No soldier in active service entangles himself
in the affairs of everyday life..." (II Timothy 2:4)
One way to become entangled is by guaranteeing a
note (debt) for another person: Co-signing.
The Scriptures are unequivocal in condemning this practice:
"He who puts up security for another will surely suffer, but whoever refuses...is safe."
(Proverbs 11:15)
"A man lacking in judgment...puts up security for his neighbor." (Proverbs 17:18)
"Do not be a man who...puts up security for debts."
(Proverbs 22:26)
Over the years, I have watched innumerable friends
in Christ languish under the burden of fulfilling the legal/financial
obligations from a note.
Usually these notes are signed when the business climate is good,
optimism is high, and mutual friendships prevail. Idealism,
enthusiasm and good will are in the air.
In time however, the business climate often sours, and financial
pressures mount. Circumstances change. AND PEOPLE BEGIN
TO FEND FOR THEMSELVES.
AND IT IS YOU WHO ENDS UP HOLDING THE BAG!
When the pressure is on, rare is the person who will choose
Biblical principles over personal survival:
"...Who swears to his own hurt and does not change." (e.g. holds to his word when it is to his
disadvantage). (Psalm 15:4b)
If you happen to be co-signed, you may want to take Solomon's
advice to heart:
"My son, if you have put up security for your neighbor,
if you have struck hands in pledge for another, if you have
been trapped by what you said, ensnared by the words
of your mouth, then do this, my son, to free yourself, since
you have fallen into your neighbor's hands: Go and humble
yourself; press your plea with your neighbor! Allow no sleep
to your eyes, no slumber to your eyelids. Free yourself,
like a gazelle from the hand of the hunter, like a bird from the
snare of the fowler." (Proverbs 6:1 - 5)
My prayer is that you are having a great week!
Dwight Hill
© Copyright 1996 Dwight Hill. Unlimited permission to copy or use is hereby granted subject to inclusion of this copyright notice.
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